Be an Early Applicant
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured.
The Role
The Director of Government Affairs will lead advocacy strategies, build relationships with policymakers, and influence health policy to support early cancer detection.
Summary Generated by Built In
Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.
We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.
For more information, please visit grail.com
GRAIL is seeking a seasoned federal government affairs leader to shape and execute our engagement strategy in Washington, D.C. This role will elevate GRAIL’s visibility among policymakers, advance legislative and regulatory frameworks that support early cancer detection, and strengthen alliances that drive meaningful change in U.S. health policy.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Alliance Development, this individual will play an integral role in developing and implementing coordinated federal advocacy strategies with federal policy makers and officials on issues that impact GRAIL.
You will work on-site at our office located in Washington DC in combination with time spent on the Hill.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead coordinated federal advocacy strategies that promote GRAIL’s mission and business objectives across Congress, federal agencies, and industry coalitions.
- Build, cultivate, and sustain high-impact relationships with Members of Congress, key committee staff, and executive branch officials, positioning GRAIL as a credible partner and thought leader in early cancer detection.
- Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments in healthcare, diagnostics, reimbursement, and innovation policy; identify both opportunities and risks to GRAIL’s mission and business.
- Work closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure consistent and strategic messaging, aligning advocacy efforts with corporate, scientific, and commercial priorities.
- Represent GRAIL in industry trade associations and policy forums, helping shape collective strategies that advance innovation-friendly frameworks for diagnostics.
- Translate GRAIL’s science, technology, and patient impact into compelling policy narratives that resonate with policymakers and align with national health priorities.
These responsibilities summarize the role’s primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company’s discretion.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of experience in federal legislative affairs, preferably with direct exposure to healthcare, diagnostics, or life sciences policy or equivalent.
- Proven track record navigating the federal legislative process and understanding the interplay between Congress, federal agencies (e.g., CMS, FDA, NIH), and the Executive Branch.
- Deep familiarity with healthcare coverage, reimbursement, and innovation policy, including Medicare and other federal programs.
- Established network of relationships in Congress and across key industry trade associations.
- Exceptional ability to anticipate and interpret policy and political trends, crafting proactive strategies to advance organizational goals.
- A strategic communicator — persuasive, diplomatic, and able to translate complex science and technology into policy-relevant language.
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial leader energized by the opportunity to shape national dialogue around cancer detection and prevention.
The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $200-286k. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.
This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.
GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
Top Skills
Computer Science
Data Science
Next-Generation Sequencing
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is using the power of high-intensity sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop and commercialize pioneering products.
Why Work With Us
Everything we do is guided by our mission to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no small task.
The right people make all the difference. That’s why we’re looking for those who strive to share their knowledge, contribute their skills, inspire each other and commit to something bigger than themselves.
Gallery
GRAIL Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
GRAIL has a variety of work types depending on the roles. Some are onsite like a lab role, others are hybrid and still others are remote. Hybrid is typically Tuesday and Thursday but leaders may be flexible depending on the role.
Typical time on-site:
2 days a week
.png)
