Director, State Government Affairs

Definium Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company and our mission is to forge a new era of psychiatry by applying scientific rigor to psychedelics, with the goal of developing accessible treatments that unlock healing at scale.  

Our lead product candidate, lysergide tartrate (our proprietary orally disintegrating tablet form of lysergide (LSD) D-tartrate), represents a highly differentiated, potential best-in-class opportunity for patients suffering from generalized anxiety, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Our early stage pipeline includes DT402, the R-enantiomer of MDMA and is under development to target the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically addressing social communication challenges.     

Guided by the recognition that patients deserve more than better, Definium is relentlessly advancing a new generation of therapeutics intended to address the underlying causes of psychiatric and neurological disorders. By turning evidence into impact, Definium aims to change the trajectory of today’s mental health care crisis and enable a healthier future. Headquartered in New York, Definium Therapeutics trades on Nasdaq under the symbol DFTX. 

Together we are moving psychiatry forward—beyond better, into a boundless future. Join us!

We are seeking a creative, resourceful, integrative thinker for an important role in Government Affairs in the mid-west region. Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs and Alliance Development, the Director, State Government Affairs will play an integral role in developing, implementing, and executing state government affairs strategies, initiatives, and engagement around brain health disorders and behavioral health conditions. The successful candidate will elevate the profile of Definium with key state public officials/agencies and be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with legislative staff, administration personnel and external organizations to achieve Definium’s public policy goals.

** Ideally would like this role to reside within mid-west region

Responsibilities

• Monitors state legislation and regulatory activities, updating and advising on relevant policy proposals and actions, and working with the cross-functional teams to analyze potential impacts to Definium
• Develop and execute strategies to shape state policy that delivers on enterprise priorities. This includes developing/executing strategic initiatives and policy positions, drafting written comments, analysis of complex health care policies, direct lobbying, engagement of third-party groups and coalitions
• Develop both a proactive and reactive policy agenda to create new frameworks to support Definium’s pipeline
• Assess public policy environment, determine where legislative and regulatory action is advisable and where it is not, and make recommendations on Definium action
• Demonstrate and maintain strong working relationships with key state and regional stakeholders that may develop health care policies that could impact Definium
• Build stakeholder partnerships and advocacy coalitions that advance mental health awareness, patient access, and policy priorities while strengthening Definium's leadership across the healthcare ecosystem
• Develop close working relationships with key internal cross functions stakeholders to leverage advocacy strategies. Engage with these key business stakeholders and develop keen understanding of commercial strategies to ensure public policy strategies support Definium’s commercial and regulatory objectives

Qualifications

• Minimum BS or BA degree required
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Government, Government Affairs, Public Affairs, and/or Policy
• Extensive knowledge of the U.S. health care system, specifically in the following areas: finance, payment structures, and benefit design
• Consistent record in identifying policy trends affecting public health
• Proven ability to plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances Definium’s mission and goals with local, regional and state elected officials
• Previous experience in a pharmaceutical company or healthcare trade association preferred
• Must have a demonstrated project team orientation and the ability to work cross-functionally
• Business acumen and professionalism required to gain the respect of broad cross-section of industry, advocate, and policy stakeholders
• Ability to bring together cross functional internal stakeholders and advance projects forward to resolution and action
• Subject matter expertise in general health care issues
• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions
• Experience working with all levels of management and consulting with key business stakeholders with an ability to influence for greater outcomes
• Strong team player that has a customer service approach and is solution oriented
• Attention to detail and the ability to work individually, within a multi-disciplinary team, as well as with external partners and vendors
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills
• This position will be a field based with up to 50% domestic travel

The starting base pay range for this position is $214,190 - $245,914. Compensation will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, skill set, years of experience, and the employee’s geographic location.

Employees in this role may be entitled to additional compensation, including bonus and equity. Benefits information is listed on our Jobs Page. The Company provides competitive benefits to employees including:

• 100% paid health benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision for you and your dependents
• 401(k) program with company match and vesting after the turn of the first month after your start date
• Flexible time off
• Generous parental leave and some fun fringe perks!