Mgr, State Government Affairs

Baxter International Inc., assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.


Baxter's State Government Affairs team consists of a Director and four regions: West, Central, Northeast and Southeast. This position is to fill a vacancy on our team that incorporates a territory that is called the "West Region."


The West Region includes eight states with California being the primary state. The other states in the region include: Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and New Mexico.

This position could be based anywhere in California with a preference of Westlake Village or Sacramento


This highly charged individual will:

1) ensure state policy/legislation does not unfairly limit or hinder access to Baxter products and promotes a positive policy/legislative environment to create access to, support and promote Baxter products, while establishing Baxter's position as a credible partner, and,

2) establish and maintain excellent relationships with key state legislative, executive, administrative and public policy makers, influencers, and funding and reimbursement authorities.


The essential job responsibilities of this position are:


1) Supervises teams of direct (contract counsels) and indirect (policy teams membership) members to assure effective coordination and communication in conjunction with a strong partnership with the Director, State Government Affairs.


2) Builds and maintains strong professional relationships with key influential legislators, staff, government and policy officials who have significant input into the future direction of issues affecting Baxter.


3) Ensures Baxter is represented positively to current and potential customer bases and broader areas of clinical, political, economic and industry influencers


4) Effectively monitors and analyzes state political activities, policies, guidance, compliance, and regulations relating to health issues of interest to Baxter business and communicate internally


5) Increases the company's visibility and credibility with key government and policy audiences by educating opinion leaders on the company and its products, setting up facility tours, and arranging for Baxter senior executives to meet with government officials and participate in high-profile events


6) Develops as necessary, written analyses, advocacy and background materials in support of Baxter objectives


7) Actively participates in trade, industry and policy associations within assigned region to shape positions and actions in furtherance of the company's goals and strategies, and


8) This position has significant impact to Baxter and therefore is held to a high level of accountability.


Qualifications
1) Thorough understanding of the state legislative and administrative processes and knowledge of key players.


2) Knowledge of major state health care programs - Medicaid, High Risk Insurance Programs, State Children Programs, and Renal programs to name a few.


3) Ability to work across the government arena on issues of impact to Baxter - product reimbursement, access and protection as well as corporate taxation, human resources and facilities management.


4) Excellent oral and written communication skills.


5) Understanding of US healthcare market mechanisms both public and private.


6) Interpersonal, judgment and negotiation skills and political acumen to interface well with key policy makers, state legislative and executive administrative officials, major policy, trade and industry organizations and Baxter executives.


7) Strong capability to formulate and implement strategies.


8) Ability to manage multiple projects and execute collaboratively in a matrix environment.


9) Broad understanding and use of personal computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes and programs to conduct statistical analyses.


10) Willingness to travel 40% within region.


11) Intense desire to work in a collaborative environment that respects both individual and team execution and accountability and rewards accordingly.


Education and experience necessary necessary to perform the job satisfactorily include:


1) 3 - 5 years experience in private sector lobbying and/or government affairs arena service


2) Undergraduate degree and Advanced Degree preferred in law, public administration, healthcare economics, business, public health administration, public policy, or other related field.


3) Experience successfully building and leading cross-functional teams and projects


4) Experience in building relationships with senior level government officials and healthcare providers.


As a global leader dedicated to building the best team in health care, Baxter offers competitive compensation and full benefits.




To view other opportunities at Baxter, please visit our Careers@Baxter site. EOE M/F/D/V