Director, Government Affairs

MindMed is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative product candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting neurotransmitter pathways that play key roles in brain health.   

Founded in 2019, we are continuously expanding our presence and global footprint. We are constantly searching for high-impact individuals in various clinical, technical and business operations domains to strengthen our team of patient-centric, intelligent individuals.

MindMed is seeking a creative, resourceful, integrative thinker for an important role in Government Affairs. Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs and Patient Advocacy, the Director, Government Affairs will play an integral role in developing, implementing, and executing government affairs strategies, initiatives, and engagement around brain health disorders and behavioral health conditions. The successful candidate will elevate the profile of MindMed with key Congressional offices, federal executive branch/agencies and state public officials/agencies and be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with congressional and state legislative staff, administration personnel and external organizations to achieve MindMed’s public policy goals.

A successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, take initiative and be self-directed, have experience managing multiple issues, and have the ability to handle competing priorities in a high-pressure environment while providing support and guidance to key business leaders. The candidate must have the ability to work in close collaboration with cross functional internal partners including but not limited to, corporate communications, legal, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, commercial and market access.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Monitors federal and 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 MindMed
• Develop and execute strategies to shape federal/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, and engagement of third-party groups and coalitions
• Develop both a proactive and reactive policy agenda to create new frameworks to support MindMed’s pipeline
• Assess public policy environment, determine where legislative and regulatory action is advisable and where it is not, and make recommendations on MindMed action
• Demonstrate and maintain strong working relationships with key federal, state and regional stakeholders that may develop health care policies that could impact MindMed
• Engage and partner with third parties groups that share the similar public policy priorities
• Develop close working relationships with key internal business stakeholders, including commercial teams to leverage advocacy strategies. Engage with these key business stakeholders and develop keen understanding of commercial strategies to ensure public policy strategies support MindMed’s commercial and regulatory objectives

Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills

Must thrive working in a fast-paced, innovative environment while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient. Must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to develop important relationships with key stakeholders, and the ability to identify issues and raise to key stakeholders in order to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs, and recommendations.

Basic Qualifications

• BS or BA degree required
•  8+ years of experience in government, government affairs, public affairs, or policy. Strong preference for experience on Capitol Hill, federal agency or similar
• 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 MindMed’s mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials

Preferred Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in Government, Government Affairs, Public Affairs, or Policy
• 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 function internal stakeholders and advance projects forward to resolution and action
• Subject matter expertise in general health care issues and strong understanding of Medicare and Medicaid programs
• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions
• Experience working with all levels of management and consulting with key business stakeholders. 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 based in Washington, DC with 25% domestic travel

The starting base pay range for this position is $149,943.00 - $205,940.00. 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 immediate vesting
• Flexible time off
• Generous parental leave and some fun fringe perks!