Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy

Animal Health Institute · Washington, United States

Position Title: Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy 

From: Washington, DC; Telework eligible

Position Summary

The Vice President (VP), Government Affairs (GA) and Public Policy serves as a key member of the Animal Health Institute’s executive leadership team, overseeing AHI’s policy development, engagement with elected officials and their staffs, and regulatory affairs activities. The VP works closely with AHI’s Policy and Government Affairs (PAG) Section and its Steering Committee to align member priorities with AHI’s policy and advocacy strategies.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the VP brings deep experience in federal agriculture policy, congressional engagement, and regulatory affairs and translates complex policy developments into strategic guidance for AHI’s leadership, Board of Directors, and member companies. The VP advances AHI’s policy objectives across federal, state, and international levels; strengthens relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and government affairs leaders at member companies; and positions AHI and its members as thought leaders in animal health, veterinary medicine, and One Health. The VP also leads a team of professionals and consultants.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate the work of AHI’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Division. 
• Foster collaboration and alignment across policy, advocacy, and member engagement priorities.
• Lead team to accomplish BOD metrics to evaluate the impact of AHI’s government and regulatory affairs efforts. 
• Work closely with AHI’s Policy and Government Affairs (PAG) Section and its Steering Committee to ensure alignment between member priorities, policy strategy, and organizational leadership.

Policy & Advocacy Strategy

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, developing and implementing AHI’s government affairs, public policy, and regulatory strategies.
• Provide senior counsel on emerging policy issues, crisis responses, and industry positioning to the organization and AHI’s members.
• Strengthen AHI’s relationships with Congress, USDA, FDA/CVM, APHIS, EPA, CDC, state regulators, and global counterparts, with particular emphasis on federal agriculture and animal health policy.
• Guide the development of coalition strategies with member companies and peer associations to address shared challenges.
• Leverage senior-level experience with congressional committees, federal agencies, and agriculture stakeholders to anticipate policy developments and position AHI effectively in legislative and regulatory discussions.

Public Affairs & External Engagement

• Strengthen AHI’s external presence and influence by elevating visibility with policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholder groups across agriculture and companion animal sectors. 
• Lead policy-related engagement with member companies, policymakers, and industry partners, coordinating with the COO on broader organizational relationships and priorities.
• Support executive communications and message alignment by partnering with the COO and communications team on high-level materials (e.g., testimony, op-eds) and ensuring consistency across advocacy and public affairs efforts.
• Serve as a credible external representative for AHI with policymakers, regulators, agriculture stakeholders, producer groups, veterinary organizations, and allied trade associations.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, advocacy, and/or government relations, preferably in animal health, agriculture, life sciences, or healthcare sectors.
• Proven ability to lead complex advocacy campaigns and regulatory strategies at federal, state, and/or international levels.
• Strong understanding of policymaking processes, regulatory science, and stakeholder dynamics.
• Demonstrated success in leading a government and regulatory affairs team and cross-functional policy initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and coalition-building skills; ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executives and Board.
• Experience with issues management and crisis response.
• A proactive, strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with multiple competing priorities.

Additional Information

• Travel: Moderate domestic travel required; occasional international as needed.
• Work Location : In-office in Washington, DC required for executive collaboration and policy engagement with telework flexibility.
• Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position is $190,000-$210,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: The Animal Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply: Via Linkedin or email resumes to Liz Breckenridge