Director, US Government Affairs & Policy

Who we are:

Agios is a biopharmaceutical company that is fueled by connections. We thrive in a supportive, fun, and flexible environment full of people empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We care deeply about our work, each other, and the patients who count on us. Our teams cultivate strong bonds with patient communities, healthcare professionals, partners and colleagues, which helps us discover, develop and deliver therapies for rare diseases – and make a bigger difference in their lives. In the U.S., Agios markets a first-in-class pyruvate kinase (PK) activator for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adults with PK deficiency. Building on the company’s leadership in the field of cellular metabolism, Agios is advancing a robust clinical pipeline of investigational medicines with active and planned programs in alpha- and beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, pediatric PK deficiency and MDS-associated anemia.

The impact you will make:

Agios Pharmaceuticals is searching for a dynamic Director, U.S. Government Affairs and Policy to join our U.S. Market Access & Government Affairs team. The Director will be responsible for facilitating the development of Agios’ public policy priorities and leading the company’s efforts to engage with state and federal policymakers on those priorities. The Director will also identify opportunities for strategic collaboration with patient advocacy organizations, health care providers, trade associations (such as BIO) and other stakeholders on policy issues.

What you will do:

• Develop, lead the execution of and communicate short- and long-term strategy for elevating the company’s voice, specifically with federal and state government officials
• Spearhead the company’s public policy analysis efforts through issue identification, research, analysis, assessment and communication
• Work cross-functionally with functional leaders identify and develop appropriate position statements and engagement strategies for issues of concern to the company and the patients we serve
• Advance a proactive public policy agenda and develop and execute advocacy strategies designed to advance the company’s legislative and regulatory priorities
• Engage with key lawmakers, regulators and staff to represent the company and its values
• Serve as a liaison with trade associations, coalitions and partnerships that represent the biopharmaceutical industry and advocate for policies that seek to protect patients' access to innovative medicines. Participate in committees, work groups and related activities to advocate for company priorities
• Prioritize compliance with federal and state requirements around lobbying, political giving and disclosure
  
  

What you bring:

• BS or BA degree (MA/MPA preferred) and 10 years of prior experience in government, government affairs, or policy role
• Experience with state legislatures, U.S. Congress, health care trade associations, governors and state or federal agencies with jurisdiction over healthcare
• Strong analytic and research skills, including a familiarity with legislative, regulatory and policy materials, as well as significant experience engaging in the health care policymaking process
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including experience with the use of PowerPoint and related tools to make effective presentations
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work as part of a cross-functional team advocating on complex health policy issues
• Experience building and leading teams
• Corporate experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Travel requirement to DC and/or state capitals will be an average of 50-60%.
  
  

Work Location:

Location Agnostic: Work location for this role is based on employee's individual preference. This role has the ability to be either remote in the US or hybrid in our Cambridge Headquarters. Hybrid schedules vary but are generally less than 3 days per week onsite and hybrid employees are expected to live within commutable distance to our Cambridge Headquarters. Remote employees work entirely from home except for attending Company sponsored events/ meetings. For employees who choose to work remotely, travel may be required for certain company events commensurate to the above job description.

What we will give you:

• Deliberate Development. Your professional growth as one of our top priorities.
• Flexibility. We’re all about individual needs. We embrace different perspectives, work styles, health and wellness approaches, care of families and productivity. When you’re at your best, we’re at our best.
• Premium benefits package. We invest in the health, wellbeing and security of our people with a premium benefits package that is well-rounded and flexible to help meet the varied personal and professional needs of every member of our team.
• Competitive performance-based compensation. This includes both short- and long-term incentives that are connected to our business strategy.
• Psychological safety. We support an environment of fearlessness. We want you to share your ideas, speak candidly and take data-informed risks to help push the boundaries.
• Commitment to diversity. We strive to foster a welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re continuously looking to improve the inclusivity of our workforce.
• Commitment to community. We’re an active participant in the communities that surround us – the communities where we live, and the community of people and their loved ones in need of better treatment options for conditions that are often overlooked.
  
  

Interested in learning more about what makes our culture unique? Visit the Inside Agios section of our website.