Vice President – Policy – Access and Coverage bei Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Overview

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Vice President for the Policy team to lead strategic efforts across a broad portfolio of issues affecting patient access to medicines. This role will oversee policy development and advocacy related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), patient assistance programs, commercial insurance markets (including markets and policies associated with the Affordable Care Act), Medicaid and relevant state-based policies. 
 
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Policy and Research, the Vice President will lead a cross-functional team responsible for analyzing regulatory and legislative activity, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and aligning member company input across PhRMA’s access and affordability priorities. The role also includes high-level engagement with stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers, advocacy organizations, and coalitions.

The Vice President will: 

• Lead PhRMA’s strategy and policy development related to PBMs, commercial insurance markets, and Medicaid along with related drug benefit design, and patient cost-sharing.
• Develop and refine policy recommendations for improving access and affordability in commercial insurance markets, including reforms under the Affordable Care Act.
• Provide expert analysis and advocacy strategies addressing state-level Medicaid drug coverage, reimbursement, and supplemental rebate programs.
• Drive policy initiatives related to manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs and efforts to close access gaps for underinsured and low-income populations.
• Serve as a key liaison to member companies; manage workgroups and build consensus across companies with diverse perspectives.
• Engage with federal and state policymakers, CMS, insurance regulators, and other external stakeholders to advance PhRMA’s access-related priorities.
• Coordinate closely with PhRMA teams across legal, advocacy, communications, and state government affairs to ensure policy coherence and alignment.
• Manage a team of policy professionals and oversee project execution, budget planning, and consultant oversight.
• Prepare written policy briefs, memos, presentations, and other deliverables to support internal and external engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key success factors

PhRMA seeks a strategic, solutions-oriented, and collaborative leader who is passionate about improving patient access to medicines and advancing thoughtful health system reform. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of PBM practices, commercial insurance operations, Medicaid policy, and pharmaceutical affordability challenges. This role requires a skilled communicator with experience navigating cross-sector relationships and building alignment in complex policy environments. Experience relevant to the US pharmaceutical supply chain, impact of vertical integration, and utilization management practices are highly preferred. 
 
The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and a proactive leadership style. They will thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization and bring a proven ability to guide technical workstreams, advise senior stakeholders, and produce compelling, evidence-based policy content.

Professional experience / requirements

• Minimum of 13 years of experience in health policy, government affairs, or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of PBM operations, benefit design, rebates, and formulary access policies.
• Strong expertise in commercial insurance markets and the Affordable Care Act, including essential health benefits, cost-sharing structures, and plan regulation.
• Experience with state Medicaid policies, pharmacy reimbursement models, and supplemental rebate strategies.
• Knowledge of patient assistance and cost-sharing support programs.
• Track record of successfully engaging policymakers, coalitions, and healthcare stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, including experience preparing materials for executive audiences and public policy forums.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage budgets, timelines, and consultants.

Preferred experience / requirements

• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Law, Health Policy, or related field.
• Experience working in a trade association, biopharmaceutical company, health plan, government agency, or consultancy focused on payer dynamics as well as access and reimbursement policy.

Potential Salary

$315,000 - $425,000 per annum. 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 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 $850 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.MAT.org
www.Facebook.com/PhRMA
www.Twitter.com/PhRMA    

What we offer
  In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, various opportunities for reward and recognition and a platform of extensive benefits, PhRMA is committed to the development and overall wellbeing of our team members.  We offer traditional (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, STD, LTC) and enhanced benefits such as parental leave, a well-being program, on-site fitness facility, back-up care, an employee assistance program, and pre-tax commuting benefits.  We also offer a robust 401k plan with employer contributions upon the first day of hire and immediate vesting, a generous paid time off plan, -ten paid holidays (plus inauguration day), half day Fridays preceding holidays, half day Fridays in the summer months and a paid winter break. As an organization, we work together in the office on Mondays through Thursdays and remotely on Fridays. We also work remotely in August.

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, 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 own 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.