Vice President, State Government Affairs

The Vice President, State Government Affairs, will have primary responsibility for developing and executing comprehensive Government Affairs strategies to advance AbbVie's interests with legislatures in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This position requires a dynamic individual with proven communication, management, and leadership skills. This role will lead the regionally-based State Government Affairs team, as well as manage external consultants in the company's engagement with state legislatures; will monitor, shape and/or respond to state legislation affecting AbbVie in all 50 states and Puerto Rico with rigorous and proactive strategies, processes and programs. The Vice President, State Government Affairs will represent AbbVie on state issues with key industry trade associations and work with the associations' State Government Affairs committees to formulate policies and advocacy strategies that adequately reflect AbbVie's input to address the industry's major legislative issues.  This position reports into the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and is a member of the Government Affairs Leadership Team (GALT).  Key responsibilities are as follows: 

• Leads the State Government Affairs team and external consultants, oversees the identification of issues and development of proactive plans and objectives, policies, and strategies on AbbVie priority issues before all 50 state legislatures and Puerto Rico, with a particular focus on priority states as identified by management.
• Sets the strategic direction and specific objectives for the State Government Affairs team. Ensures that business priorities are integrated into AbbVie's policies and positions. Ensures that comprehensive and rigorous Government Affairs strategies fully take into account legislative, executive, and regulatory options, including direct advocacy, third-party and think tank engagement, creative policy approaches, and opportunities to engage the public.
• Works cross-functionally with the Government Affairs Leadership Team to ensure that State Government Affairs activities support the overall Government Affairs strategic priorities.
• Represents AbbVie on State Government Affairs issues with key third-party groups and trade associations.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with legislators, governors, regulators, and officials throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico important to AbbVie's goals and objectives.
• Oversees the preparation of all informational materials necessary to ensure that AbbVie management and employees are properly informed of developments in state policy that impact the company and its operations.
• Maintains strict compliance with all applicable policies and laws, especially those related to interactions with State Government officials in the U.S. and officials in Puerto Rico.
• Implements contribution strategies for state candidates.

• Must possess significant experience and knowledge of State Government relations and demonstrated understanding of how states make decisions and the types of input that can help shape those decisions. Knowledge of and/or experience with Puerto Rico would be beneficial.
• Prefer at least 15 years' experience in progressively more responsible positions.
• Organizational leadership and management experience, the ability to motivate others to advance goals,  and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a rapidly changing and matrixed environment.
• Must possess a proven track record of strategy development, execution, and achievement of results in creating a favorable environment through positively impacting public policy, legislation, and regulations.
• Relevant experience in healthcare with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals and knowledge of the US reimbursement system, including Medicaid, 340B, the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act preferred.
• Must possess strong analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills; the ability to speak and write persuasively and with clarity; strong organizational skills, flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements; resourcefulness and creativity; and an ability to work collaboratively in a fluid organizational environment.
• Must be an individual who works well in a team environment and enjoys working in a collegial yet highly demanding culture. Must be able to work collaboratively with business leaders and other internal stakeholders.
• Position requires 25-35% domestic travel, with some international travel required
• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as health care administration, political science, public administration, public policy, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.