Overview 

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Senior Director for the International Advocacy team to support its government affairs and public policy engagement efforts in China. 

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, International Advocacy, the Senior Director will help shape and execute advocacy initiatives that advance biopharmaceutical innovation and shape a favorable policy environment for the research-based biopharmaceutical industry. The individual will serve as a trusted advisor on China-related policy developments and lead coordination of stakeholder engagement and strategic advocacy efforts.

This position is located in PhRMA’s Beijing, China office.

The Senior Director will:

• Support the development and implementation of PhRMA’s China government affairs strategy by monitoring and analyzing political, legislative, regulatory, trade, and geopolitical developments impacting the innovative biopharmaceutical industry.
• Identify emerging policy risks and opportunities and develop advocacy strategies to advance PhRMA’s priorities with government officials and other stakeholders.
• Lead analysis of proposed policies, regulations and government initiatives affecting biopharmaceutical innovation, intellectual property, regulatory policy, science, trade, and investment developments.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with policy makers, diplomatic representatives, trade associations, think tanks, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent PhRMA in meetings, forums, conferences, and industry engagements with government agencies, business organizations, and partner associations.
• Serve as a key liaison to member companies, facilitating workgroups and building consensus around advocacy priorities and strategic objectives.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement efforts to strengthen PhRMA’s network of relationships and influence across relevant government and policy communities.
• Manage external consultants, research partners, and vendors, including oversight of work plans, deliverables, contracts, and budgets.
• Prepare written materials including policy memoranda, briefing documents, presentations, talking points, stakeholder analyses, and executive summaries.
• Oversee and mentor policy professionals, ensuring effective project management, staff development, and execution of strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Success Factors PhRMA seeks a proactive, politically astute, and relationship-oriented individual who is passionate about contributing to the health care challenges we face today. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic judgment, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to navigate a complex and evolving political environment. This individual will be comfortable operating in situations requiring diplomacy, discretion, and thoughtful analysis while advancing organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to build credibility with senior government officials, industry leaders, and member company representatives. Success in this role requires strong consensus-building capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to translate complex policy developments into actionable advocacy strategies. The successful candidate will be adaptable, highly collaborative, and capable of managing multiple high-priority initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on results.

Professional Requirements 

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in government affairs, public policy, international relations, trade policy, political affairs, advocacy, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Government, Law, Economics, Public Affairs, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government officials, policymakers, diplomatic representatives, industry associations, or multinational stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of China’s political, regulatory, and policy processes.
• Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies related to healthcare, innovation policy, trade, intellectual property, regulatory affairs, or related issues.
• Proven ability to analyze complex policy developments and communicate implications to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing team members, consultants, vendors, contracts, and budgets.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Experience / Requirements

• Advanced degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Economics, Political Science, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Knowledge of healthcare policy, pharmaceutical policy, intellectual property protection, trade policy, or regulatory affairs.
• Direct and in-depth experience working with Chinese government agencies at both central and provincial levels.

Potential Salary

• Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Who we are
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $900 billion in the search for new treatments and cures over the last decade, supporting nearly five million jobs in the United States.

Connect with PhRMA
 For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:  
www.PhRMA.org
www.Innovation.org
www.Americasmedicines.org
www.Facebook.com/PhRMA
www.Twitter.com/PhRMA    

What we offer

We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities including an integrated onboarding program, best-in-class leadership programming, tuition reimbursement at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management/professional development programs.  Corporate social responsibility is also important to us at PhRMA. Our team members participate in community service activities, fundraising drives, and charitable athletic events.   

We are committed to supporting our family of professionals at PhRMA and strive to create programs that help our team members manage the challenges of balancing a fast-paced career with their personal goals. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. 

The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.