Head of Public Affairs, US

This is what you will do

The Head of U.S. Public Affairs serves as Chiesi’s senior strategist and primary advocate on U.S. pharmaceutical and healthcare policy. This leader drives a forward looking public affairs agenda that strengthens patient access, supports innovation, and protects Chiesi’s ability to operate and grow sustainably in the United States.

As the leader for U.S. Public Affairs, this role develops and executes an integrated federal and state policy strategy aligned with Chiesi’s corporate values and global advocacy priorities. They anticipate and interpret a rapidly evolving policy landscape, translate insights into clear strategic recommendations, and guide enterprise-level decision-making.

This leader builds trusted relationships with policymakers, regulatory bodies, trade associations, and external partners to ensure Chiesi maintains a credible, proactive, and solutions oriented presence in U.S. policy discussions. They also oversee the company’s internal public affairs governance processes and ensure alignment and prioritization of activities across AIR, CARE, and in coordination with Global RARE business units.

You’ll be responsible for:

• U.S. Policy Strategy and Leadership: 
  
  • Develop and lead an integrated federal and state policy and government affairs strategy that advances Chiesi’s U.S. business, patient access goals, innovation priorities, and long term sustainability. 
  • Identify, anticipate, and assess emerging legislative, regulatory, and political developments; advise leaders on risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• U.S. Advocacy Development and Execution: 
  
  • Lead the development of Chiesi’s U.S. policy positions, advocacy priorities, and thought leadership materials. 
  • Oversee the preparation of briefing documents, comment letters, testimony, and other policy materials. 
  • Coordinate Chiesi’s responses to federal and state rulemaking activities and ensure high quality, timely, and aligned submissions.
• Oversee US Public Affairs Governance: 
  
  • Lead U.S. Public Affairs governance processes, ensuring cross-functional prioritization, resource allocation, and alignment with U.S. and global public affairs strategies. 
  • Guide AIR, CARE, and Global RARE partners through structured policy review and decision-making processes. 
  • Ensure compliance with internal guidelines, external reporting requirements, and applicable transparency and lobbying rules.
• Stakeholder and Government Engagement: 
  
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with federal and state legislators, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and advocacy groups. 
  • Represent Chiesi in policy forums, coalitions, stakeholder partnerships, and external engagements to advance shared objectives. 
  • Serve as a credible and trusted voice for Chiesi in public policy environments.
• U.S. Reputation Management: 
  
  • Collaborate with U.S. Corporate Affairs and Global Public Affairs to ensure strategic consistency across policy, advocacy, and external engagement. 
  • Shape a policy environment that supports patient access, fosters innovation, and builds trust in Chiesi as a responsible, mission driven biopharmaceutical company.
• Resource and Budgetary Management: 
  
  • Oversee U.S. Public Affairs financial planning, budgeting, and resource deployment. 
  • Ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance with financial policies, and alignment of investments with strategic priorities.

You will need to have

• Bachelor’s degree and 7-10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, or a related field, preferably in corporate or therapeutic area public affairs or government affairs within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or other highly regulated healthcare sectors. 
• Proven ability to develop and execute federal and state policy strategies aligned to business priorities and therapeutic area needs.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with U.S. policymakers, regulatory agencies, and trade associations, including building long‑term relationships with elected and appointed officials.
• Experience participating in or leading governance processes, policy reviews, or cross‑functional decision‑making forums.
• Track record of shaping or influencing policy in areas such as drug pricing, innovation, domestic manufacturing, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks.
• Extensive experience developing strategies, managing major initiatives, and delivering results within a complex matrix environment.
• Experience collaborating with key resources and stakeholders, influencing decisions, and managing work to achieve strategic goals and shared objectives.
• High-level business acumen in business operations, industry practices, and emerging trends.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Cary, NC.

Location

Hybrid role based in Cary, NC; Must have ability to travel 25-30% domestically with occasional international travel. #LI-Hybrid