Director Government Relations - Animal Health

Director Federal Public Policy & Government Relations - Animal Health

Our company Animal Health is a business offering products, technology solutions, and services for all animal species, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, aquaculture, horses, and companion animals.

The Director, Federal Public Policy & Government Relations leads the company’s engagement with federal policymakers on behalf of the our company Animal Health North American business. The role spans three core areas: Congressional engagement, technology policy, and trade policy.

The Director manages company policy issues at the Congressional, agency and administration level, including engagement in the federal legislative process and work with stakeholders through direct relationships, coalitions, and trade associations. Issue areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Animal health.
• One Health and zoonoses.
• Animal welfare.
• Animal traceability.
• Biotechnology.
• Precision agriculture.
• Animal monitoring.
• Veterinary telehealth.

The Director leads policy engagement across North America on issues related to the company’s technology business. Working closely with internal technology business leaders, the Director develops and executes policy strategies that support the adoption of animal identification, traceability, monitoring, and data-driven solutions. The role also engages government officials, coalitions, and trade associations to position the company as a trusted voice on animal health technology.

The Director coordinates the development and execution of public policy work on trade issues affecting the North American business, working closely with our company’s internal team. This includes building and maintaining relationships with trade staff at relevant federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, and international bodies.

• Lead federal relationships across the entire our company Animal Health North American business.
• Develop and lead the strategy for engagement with Congress, relevant federal agencies (USDA and FDA) and the administration, collaborating with internal teams to ensure the company speaks with a unified voice in meetings with federal government officials.
• Leverage relationships and networks to advance science- and evidence-based policies that affect the business and deliver value for customers.

• Coordinate with internal team on trade strategy related to issues affecting the North American business.
• Engage federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, customer groups, and other stakeholders to keep the company’s perspective, and that of the industry, at the forefront.

• Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including D.C.-based trade associations, professional societies, customers, and policy thought leaders.
• Coordinate with the North America Animal Health public policy team on contributions to, and activities of, domestic and international animal health trade associations.
• Directly manage hired consultants for federal policy.

• Collaborate continuously with Animal Health North American business leaders and other internal teams to understand policy needs and opportunities that align with business strategies from a federal perspective.
• Coordinate with state and federal government affairs functions across the broader our company enterprise.
• Prepare and support communications for audiences at every level, including peers, colleagues, customers, management, and senior executives (e.g., executive briefings).
• Manage other related projects effectively and efficiently, including supporting other team members as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least six years of experience in a relevant position within the federal government or at a corporation, trade association, or non-profit organization that develops policy and lobbies.

• Advanced degree (e.g., master’s, J.D., or DVM).
• Experience with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, or the House or Senate Agriculture Committees.
• Experience with trade issues, including work with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, United States Department of Commerce and foreign embassies.

• Excellent relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Political advocacy and lobbying experience.
• Strong experience in policy development, political communications, and messaging.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the Congressional process and key regulatory processes.
• Strong strategic thinking, with awareness of how the broader economic and public policy landscape affects business priorities.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven capacity for leadership and teamwork.
• Experience collaborating with a group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion for animal health and well-being.
• A consistent record of high ethical standards.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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The primary location for this posting is:

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.