JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Location:
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Director – Federal Government Relations
Washington, D.C.
Vice President – Federal Government Relations & Alliance Development
Full-time; Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm
Exempt
Approximately <25%
DOE
About California Life Sciences Association (CLSA):
California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences
advocacy and business leadership organization. With offices in Sacramento, San Diego, South San
Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington DC, CLSA works closely with industry, government, academia
and others to shape public policy, improve access to innovative technologies and grow California’s life
sciences economy. CLSA serves biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics
companies, research universities and institutes, investors and service providers throughout the Golden
State. CLSA was founded in 2015 when the Bay Area Bioscience Association (BayBio) and the California
Healthcare Institute (CHI) merged.
Summary of Responsibilities:
The Director – Federal Government Relations is a full-time, DC-based position, reporting to the Vice
President – Federal Government Relations & Alliance Development. The position will support and
engage in direct legislative and policy education and advocacy activities with members of the California
congressional delegation, as well as other legislative and committee offices, and other federal
departments, offices and agencies.
Primary responsibilities of the Director – Federal Government Relations include:
• Support and provide recommendations to the VP, Federal Government Relations & Alliance
Development in the expansion and implementation of outreach/education and legislative
advocacy programs.
• Directly engage California congressional and other legislative offices to advance CLSA legislative
and policy priorities.
• Build and maintain alliances with CLSA member companies, partner associations and other
affiliate organizations.
• Provide legislative analysis and policy briefing papers, backgrounders and other communications
on topics affecting the state’s biomedical and life sciences community.
Job Details:
Federal Legislative/Policy Duties
• Support and engage in direct legislative advocacy and education efforts with members and staff
of the California congressional delegation, other legislative and committee offices, and with
federal departments, offices and agencies as necessary.
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Develop communications to membership and delegation offices regarding CLSA position on
federal legislation and policies, including preparing materials for individual company use to local
Members of Congress and/or U.S. Senators.
Develop and manage CLSA Federal Legislative Committee (FLC) and Working Group meeting
agendas and activities, including identification and monitoring of legislation, hearings and other
policy/political activities of interest to CLSA membership.
Oversee and collaborate on the research and writing of CLSA’s e-newsletters for final review by
VP – Federal Government Relations.
Other duties as assigned, some travel required.
Outreach/Education Programs
• Develop and implement collaborative CLSA member- and alliance stakeholder-supported
programs illustrating the importance of biomedical research and innovation to improvements in
healthcare, economic growth and job creation.
• Direct the organization of Hill briefings, roundtables and facility tours with congressional offices.
• Collaborate with Communications Director on targeted web and social media education and
advocacy opportunities (e.g. Twitter, Facebook and CLSA blog postings; provide necessary
legislative information for press releases; post live updates during Hill briefings; etc.).
• Support membership relations and business development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.
Management/Leadership
• Actively participate in soliciting sponsorships to support CLSA events and programs hosted in
Washington, DC (including but not limited to Annual Spring Reception and Visionary
Award/Welcome Dinner, End of Year Reception, New Delegation Member Life Sciences
Roundtable, etc.)
• Direct and oversee the day-to-day tasks and work of junior staff, including Associate – Federal
Government Relations.
• Manage DC office Intern program, including recruitment of candidates, identifying and
overseeing assigned tasks and projects, and completing paperwork as required by an academic
institution.
Scope:
• Uses broad experience to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Exercises independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for
obtaining results.
• Makes independent decisions on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates leadership with project teams within function, across functions, and with external
groups.
• Reports to a Senior Director or Vice President who may provide input on selection of personal
goals, strategic plans, and budget development.
• May supervise day-to-day tasks and work of other professional level employees.
• Acts as a professional representative of the organization with external stakeholders.
• Models CLSA’s values including: a disciplined focus, integrity, teamwork, respect, quality of
work, and ownership.
Background and Experience:
• Minimum of B.A. or B.S. degree required; degree in related major preferred.
• Must demonstrate subject matter expertise in functional area.
• Excellent verbal, written and digital communication skills.
• Utilizes initiative to problem solve and succeed in evolving environments; strong collaboration
and negotiating skills preferred.
• Demonstrated record of sound political judgment and bipartisanship.
• Strong teamwork, project management and analytical/problem solving skills.
• Availability to support and attend frequent early morning and late evening events (with advance
notice).
CLSA Benefits:
CLSA currently offers a full suite of employee benefits including medical and dental insurance, LTD, STD
and Group Life insurance, 401(k) plan with matching, FSA and HSA options, and a generous paid time off
and paid holiday schedule.
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit their resume with cover letter to CLSA Associate Director – HR &
Administration, Cheryl St. Cyr, via email: [email protected]