Director State Government Affairs

Director State Government Affairs
Location: Abbott Park, IL

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. We create breakthrough products – in diagnostics, medical devices and nutrition – that help you, your family and your community lead healthier lives, full of unlimited possibilities. Today, we are working to make a lasting impact on health in the more than 160 countries we serve. 

WORKING AT ABBOTT:

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year

• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution

• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

• Advance Abbott's interests before legislative bodies, government agencies, and policymakers.  Engage with and educate allies and influencers, including trade associations, patient groups, health care practitioners, consumer groups, suppliers, NGOs, and employees. 

• Identify health care, economic, and other policy developments that could impact Abbott's business and operation. Proactively identify opportunities to pursue favorable policies and effectively defend Abbott against policies that could harm patient, shareholder, and employee interests. Develop plans to influence legislation and agency actions for both macro and business/product specific initiatives.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and analyze legislative and executive branch activities to assess the level of impact to the company.

• Develop strategic plans and recommendations to influence legislative and agency actions and proactively identify opportunities for Abbott in the policy-making arena.

• Develop and successfully implement action plans by working with relevant stakeholders, including business and corporate personnel, outside allies, coalitions, and trade associations.

• Establish and maintain relationships with key members of legislatures, executive offices, agencies, and local governments.

• Brief and staff Abbott senior leadership during policy-related meetings or visits by elected officials to Abbott facilities.

• Increase the business’s understanding of, and participation in, the policy-making and political process.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree in political science, public policy, public health, or MBA/JD is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

• Ten years minimum in positions of increasing responsibility and experience in the public sector or government affairs is required.

• Involvement and success in influencing the development of policy, and knowledge of the political process is required.

• Knowledge of medical device/diagnostic/nutrition areas of health care is a plus.

COMPETENCIES:

• Proven ability to work well with key policymakers, major association policy teams, and executives.

• Established track record of policy development, negotiations, professional writing, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects under deadline pressure.

• Strong skills in understanding the intent of legislation or proposed policies and the ability to assess the extent to which such policies support or conflict with Abbott’s positions or interests.

• Strong ability to communicate, synthesize key government issues, develop strategy, and persuade constituencies towards specific actions and initiatives.

• Proven ability to drive for results, motivate, and positively influence individuals both inside and outside of the organization.

• Recognized team player who seeks to become an integral part of an industry-leading government affairs group.

• Demonstrated evidence of strong organizational skills, adept at managing complex array of projects/issues.

This position:

• Reports directly to the Senior Director, Government Affairs

• Requires some domestic travel

• Region: Midwestern United States, with a particular emphasis on Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan

• Location: Abbott Park, Illinois

The base pay for this position is $171,300.00 – $342,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

• policy development
• legislative analysis
• stakeholder engagement
• public policy analysis
• regulatory compliance
• project management
• strategic planning
• executive communication
• policy advocacy
• government relations
• public speaking
• healthcare policy knowledge
• trade association engagement
• influencing skills