Job Title: Senior Director, State Government Relations
Location: Sacramento
Reports to: SVP, Government Relations & External Affairs
Hours: Full-time
FLSA: Exempt
Annual Base Salary Range: $140,000 - $210,000
Travel: Estimated 15%
California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has served the community by supporting companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. As integral components of a healthy and collaborative ecosystem, CLS also works closely with universities, academic and research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners that promote this vibrant sector. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and Washington DC, CLS works to shape public policy, to improve access to breakthrough technologies, to educate lawmakers, and to advance equity within our ecosystem by championing innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times. In doing so, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and to nurture California’s life sciences industry, empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world. #WeAreCaliforniaLifeSciences
CLS currently offers a full suite of employee benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, LTD, STD, and Group Life insurance, 401(k) plans with matching, FSA and HSA options, and a generous paid time off and paid holiday schedule.
CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
The Senior Director, State Government Relations, serves as an advocate for the life sciences community with California state elected officials, the Governor’s office, regulatory agencies, and staff. Primary responsibilities of this role include working closely with CLS member companies, key stakeholders, and policymakers to identify and to advance policy objectives and issue campaigns to create a favorable environment for California’s growing life sciences industry.
Advocacy/Policy
- Manage direct reports in the Sacramento office—ensuring proper coverage of all CLS priority legislative and regulatory issues, maintaining regular communication with CLS member companies, and ensuring any external communication is aligned with CLS expectations.
- Identify, develop, and advocate for policies which promote the growth of California’s life sciences industry.
- elp design and implement integrated government relations, communications, and advocacy strategies to influence favorable outcomes on key issues.
- Help manage CLS’ contract lobbyists, counsel, and public affairs consultants at both the state and local levels.
- Lead committees, working groups, and weekly meetings with CLS member companies on priority issues for the life sciences.
- Align priorities, strategies, and activities with CLS member companies and partner organizations such as AdvaMed, BIO, BIOCOM, and PhRMA.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory activity, secure bill sponsors, and prepare letters, briefing documents, testimony, position papers, etc., advocating CLS policy positions.
- Lead coalition and partnership management with patient organizations.
- Support CLS engagement and partnership with outside trade associations and organizations for legislative action and education efforts.
- Proactively organize facility tours, roundtables, and issue education events in Sacramento and major CLS operating regions throughout California for legislators and CLS members every quarter.
- Organize issue education events with legislative caucuses/legislators that support CLS’ health equity policy priorities.
- Represent the organization in a competent manner to outside stakeholders, establish relationships and regular contact with legislators, staff, the Governor’s office, and key state agencies, providing input and testimony on issues important to the life sciences community.
- B.A. or B.S. or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience required; M.A., M.S., or J.D. a plus.
- 7-10 years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience.
- Experience working with California state elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
- Experience implementing strategic, multi-dimensional issue campaigns.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- 7-10 years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience
- Experience working with California state elected officials, government agencies, and staff
- Experience implementing strategic, multidimensional issue campaigns
- Master’s degree, Master of Science, or Juris Doctor
What We Do
California Life Sciences is California’s leading advocacy and membership organization for the life sciences sector. It works with industry, government, academia, and other stakeholders to shape public policy, connect and support members, and advance innovation. It supports organizations across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, helping California’s life sciences ecosystem grow and translating innovation into healthier lives. Through programs and community-building, it helps discoveries progress throughout California and beyond.
