Director, Federal Government Affairs (Washington D.C./Remote)

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Summary:

Drives development and implementation of corporate policy through strategic partnerships with government and industry groups, aligning with business objectives. Works on a team to foster relationships with key members of the federal government and industry groups to promote company interests in Washington, D.C. Prepares policy briefings, testimony for pending legislative actions, and provides thought leadership and recommendations in collaboration with the government affairs team. Works on a team to ensure appropriate company participation in government forums and industry group meetings.

Responsible for engaging with policymakers, leaders of government and industry councils, and lobbyists to influence public policy, monitor government initiatives, and advocate for specific plans to advance the company’s objectives.

Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs, and other related duties may be assigned.

This role will report to the Vice President, Government Affairs for US and Canada. The individual must reside in the greater Washington D.C. area.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively on a team to inform the organization's policies and objectives involving matters of the federal government, regulations, and advocacy strategies.
• Provides analysis of proposed federal legislation to determine potential impact on the organization.
• Responsible for recommending company positions on federal legislation, regulations, and policy priorities.
• Identifies, monitors, and influences government legislation, regulation, and public policy with the intent to optimize the business environment and patient access to Illumina solutions.  
• Educate federal public policymakers on issues and initiatives that support and advocate for our industry and business by creating and maintaining a positive leadership image and business climate for Illumina.
• Work with assigned business units on government affairs strategies to execute on business priorities.
• Represent Illumina in assigned trade associations and coalitions to further corporate priorities and strategies.
• Utilize Illumina executives and subject matter experts to help educate government policymakers.
• Help manage major company events, high-profile meetings, and visits with government officials.

Political Development – Help team execute successful company and industry political events to favorably position the company with elected officials in full conformance with applicable political action and election laws and rules.

Policy Analysis – Provide insightful analysis of proposed federal administrative and legislative actions and their impact on Illumina. In close partnership with business units and corporate functional experts, develop policy positions and appropriate messaging tailored appropriately to target audiences.

Advocacy – Communicate directly and persuasively with government officials and staff, as well as both allies and opponents, in the advancement of Illumina's public policy priorities. Demonstrate thought leadership and subject-matter expertise to advance business strategic objectives through proactive public policy engagement. Develop issue advocacy materials and presentations, testimony for delivery to legislative committees and regulatory bodies, and internal messaging for key contacts, employee grassroots, and vendor engagement programs.

Tracking and Intelligence Gathering – Identify and monitor legislative and regulatory activities for their potential impact, and report to internal partners in a timely and precise manner.

Industry Associations and Coalitions – Serve on industry task forces and working groups where policy interests are aligned, and Illumina leadership can be exerted. Represent the company at trade associations and participate as directed in meetings and work of national associations.

Third-Party Ally Development – Similarly, build and lead other disparate advocacy coalition efforts to raise awareness of barriers to patient access to therapy and the importance of fostering a business environment friendly to technology innovation, investment, and employment. Working on a team to help cultivate strategic partnerships with public and private payers, provider organizations, key clinical research institutions, and patient advocacy organizations. Leverage internal resources to support engagement plans. 

The listed responsibilities are an essential but not exhaustive list of the usual duties associated with the position. Individual responsibilities may change due to business needs.

Requirements:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15-18 years of related experience, with 10+ years of Management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with Congress, the Administration, Executive Agencies, and other policy makers at the federal government level
• Experience communicating and presenting to senior-level stakeholders, both internal and external to the company
• Experience with federal compliance requirements
• Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes
• Demonstrates business acumen with knowledge of current policies, practices, and competitive landscape, as well as future trends and challenges in the marketplace
• Significant experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting federal legislative and regulatory documents
• Ability to convey company views and positions in an open, honest manner that is interesting to others; able to tell a compelling story and use effective case studies; and to offer solutions and generate favorable action
• Ability to build strong relationships, collaborate with and lead teams, and work well with cross-functional colleagues
• Capacity to be a quick learner of new subject matters and ability to adapt nimbly to a rapidly changing healthcare ecosystem and a challenging political environment
• Able to assess and manage risk, accept accountability, and offer viable alternative strategies, as necessary, to achieve goals
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Articulate and personable
• Ability to direct multi-stakeholder education and advocacy efforts
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and attention to detail in the execution of strategies
• Capability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to prioritization among conflicting demands
• Exemplary written and large audience presentation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills with unquestioned personal standards of conduct, work ethic, and integrity, and an ability to maintain calm under pressure  
• Occasional Travel to San Diego HQ and to represent Illumina at external events on an as-needed basis.

All listed requirements are deemed essential functions of this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodation for additional tasks and responsibilities.

#LI-REMOTE

The estimated base salary range for the Director, Federal Government Affairs (Washington D.C./Remote) role based in the United States of America is: $187,400 - $281,000. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role. Most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.