Director of Government Relations - Life Sciences

Ecolab, the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, is seeking a Director of Government Relations (Life Sciences). The ideal candidate will have a background in life sciences advocacy work and will be drawn to the scale of Ecolab’s positive impact on public health and sustainability outcomes and the company’s presence serving over three million customer locations in 170 countries. Reporting directly to the VP State Government Relations, you will define, lead and advance Ecolab’s legislative agenda and public policy initiatives in our rapidly growing life sciences and pharmaceutical sector. 

The candidate will develop the US government relations strategic plan for this vertical working directly with the Executive Vice President & General Manager for Global Life Sciences and leadership team. This will require coordination and partnership with the state/federal GR and regulatory affairs teams as well as other global leaders to align on a cohesive vision to advance business priorities. 

You will advocate before relevant state officials and federal agencies (FDA, HHS, etc.) primarily and actively participate and shape policy in relevant state and national industry trades.  Manage broader Ecolab business priorities impacted by government policies in the NE region. 

This position will be divided between state (60%) and federal (40%) advocacy work. 

Location Details:

• Location preference is at Ecolab’s Life Sciences HQ in King of Prussia; PA. Relocation support may be considered for qualified candidates. 
• If unable to relocate, remote options will be considered in one of the key pharma headquarter hubs (MD, NY, MA, or PA) or Washington DC.  
• 30% travel required to HQ (KOP and St. Paul, MN) and in key states, Washington D.C.

What’s in it For You: 
This is an exciting opportunity with Ecolab, a market leader that partners with the world’s largest pharma and life sciences companies.  

Government Relations (GR) is responsible for the strategic direction of Ecolab's global government relations and advocacy efforts. The GR team advances public policy matters to support the company's global business objectives and advises senior leadership on how best to navigate to best pursue growth. This includes identifying policy and industry trends, analyzing how customers and competition are responding to them, and executing a clear policy action plans while defending Ecolab’s reputation.    

What You Will Do:

• Build and advance the key government relations strategy for the Ecolab Life Sciences segment across state and federal jurisdictions, working with critical commercial stakeholders to understand the business drivers and customer needs. 
• Track and inform the Life Sciences business leaders on new and changing global policies for the pharma and industrial industries with a clear point of view of how the business can affect change or open doors with our commercial partners. 
• Develop and execute federal, state and local government affairs objectives and action plan in assigned states, with a primary focus on growth in the life sciences division, working with segment and divisional leaders across general management, supply chain, marketing and sales.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Ecolab’s Life Sciences division to advise on government policies to advance the business’ growth. 
• Effectively lead and coordinate external advocacy efforts in front of legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and executive branch/agency decision-makers.
• Analyze and monitor federal, state & local legislation, regulations and political activities & trends on issues impacting Ecolab or its customers. Prepare legislative/political briefing materials, policy write-ups, and 1 pagers for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strengthen Ecolab’s brand and reputation through quickly establishing relationships with legislative leaders, The White House, Governors, and other stakeholders. Identify public forums to position Ecolab as a thought leader (e.g., webinars, panels, and testifying on legislative/regulatory matters). Represent Ecolab at targeted conferences, conventions, task forces and meetings.
• Build internal relationships with key Ecolab business divisions and support functions and find opportunities to advance each business division’s objectives. Execute engagement plans with policymakers for Ecolab executives and regional plant managers, including plant tours.
• Manage lobbyists in assigned states, executing off strategic plan, and reviewing their performance. Active participation in state and national trades. This includes joining relevant committees and pursuing leadership positions where appropriate. Build working relationships with GR/Policy and Regulatory staff from these trades.
• Identify PAC giving strategies for federal and state candidates, including vetting reputational risks, attending fundraisers, political meetings (e.g., DGA/RGA), and seeking counsel from lobbyists on strategic giving.
• Be the face of Life Sciences government relations externally in thought leadership activities, supporting and contributing to campaigns and external communications activities across Life Sciences business divisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum 8 years of federal and state/city government relations (public affairs) and/or legislative experience within the life sciences, biopharma, pharma, personal care and/or biotech industry. 
• Thorough understanding of State and federal government, including the legislative, regulatory, and political processes (budget deadlines, end of session conference committees and agency regulatory rule-making dynamics). 
• Demonstrated ability to lead executive-level discussions with legislative leaders and impact state legislation, regulation, and a background in bipartisanship negotiation.
• Science degree or background a plus.

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits. 

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