1

State Government Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide research, information, leadership and deliverables to FMI members, state associations and FMI staff on assigned state government affairs issues of priority interest to the industry. Monitor ...

Provide research, information, leadership and deliverables to FMI members, state associations and FMI staff on assigned state government affairs issues of priority interest to the industry. * Monitor ...

Head, State Government Affairs The Head of State Government Affairs (SGA) is responsible for development and execution of state policy and legislative strategies for the U.S. Commercial business ...

Exempt The State Government Affairs Director is responsible for RWE Americas' state government affairs portfolio in the West region (California, Intermountain West States), building and maintaining ...

Exempt The State Government Affairs Director is responsible for RWE Americas' state government affairs portfolio in the West region (California, Intermountain West States), building and maintaining ...

As a senior member of our State Government Affairs team, you will develop policy and strategy on a range of issues, and lead Apple's interactions with state legislators. Your experience working at ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

State Government Affairs information

See salary details

$31K

$106.2K

$163K

How much do state government affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for state government affairs in the United States is $106,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in State Government Affairs roles?

Professionals in State Government Affairs often navigate a rapidly changing legislative landscape, which requires staying informed about multiple bills, regulations, and stakeholder positions across various states. Balancing the interests of the organization with differing state policies and political climates can be challenging, as can building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and advocacy groups. Success in this role frequently depends on strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to quickly analyze and respond to legislative developments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in State Government Affairs, and why are they important?

To excel in State Government Affairs, you need a strong understanding of legislative processes, policy analysis, and strategic advocacy, typically supported by a degree in political science, public policy, or law. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, government databases, and stakeholder management tools is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills help professionals build influence and effectively represent organizational interests. These abilities are vital to successfully navigating complex government environments and advancing policy objectives.

What are State Government Affairs professionals?

State Government Affairs professionals are responsible for representing an organization's interests before state legislatures and regulatory agencies. They monitor state policy developments, advocate for or against legislation, and build relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders. Their work ensures that the organization's views are heard and considered during the creation of state laws and regulations. These professionals play a vital role in shaping public policy and ensuring compliance with state-level requirements.

What is the difference between State Government Affairs vs State Legislative Liaison?

AspectState Government AffairsState Legislative Liaison
Primary FocusEngaging with government agencies, policy advocacy, and regulatory issues at the state levelFacilitating communication between the organization and state legislators, tracking legislation
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often involves meetings with government officials and stakeholdersOffice-based, with frequent interactions with legislators and legislative staff
Required CredentialsTypically a background in public policy, political science, or law; experience in government or advocacySimilar credentials, often with legislative or governmental experience

State Government Affairs professionals focus on broader policy advocacy and regulatory issues, while State Legislative Liaisons primarily manage relationships and communication with legislators. Both roles require knowledge of government processes and strong communication skills, but their day-to-day activities differ in scope and focus.

More about State Government Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for State Government Affairs jobs? Cities with the most State Government Affairs job openings:
What states have the most State Government Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for State Government Affairs jobs include:
Infographic showing various State Government Affairs job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,182 per year, or $51 per hour.
Head, State Government Affairs

Head, State Government Affairs

GlaxoSmithKline

Durham, NC

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


GlaxoSmithKline rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Head, State Government Affairs

The Head of State Government Affairs (SGA) is responsible for development and execution of state policy and legislative strategies for the U.S. Commercial business operation. This person will be a strong people leader with a demonstrated history of executing on vision and coaching an inspired team. This individual will have strong skills in analyzing, understanding, and translating complex legislative, regulatory and policy issues to advise on pending legislation, regulations, changes in key state government policy and other government affairs matters pertinent to GSK, and will fully appreciate the relationship between enterprise needs and state policy. The Head of State Government Affairs is an integral member of the U.S. Commercial Communications and Government Affairs (US CGA) leadership team.

The position will design strategy with a focus on proactive planning, communication, advocacy, and execution of state government affairs strategy that advances GSK / U.S. Commercial enterprise objectives. This position will also work strategically to defeat or mitigate actions at the state level that could negatively affect GSK's business or the patients that we support. The Head of SGA will work collaboratively alongside US CGA LT to provide resource recommendations, help grow and leverage the GSK Political Action Committee, communicate advocacy positions, and optimize consultants.

This individual is expected to participate comprehensively in GSK's state policy agenda, particularly in developing strategic goals. This position will focus on planning, communicating, advocating, and executing a proactive strategy as it relates to state legislation and policy, and fully recognizes the enterprise implications.

This incumbent will proactively collaborate with internal partners on all aspects of state, alliance, and policy goals and will work closely with market access, medical, business unit, and legal colleagues, among others. This individual will demonstrate an ability to build sustaining, long-term strategic relationships and effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver optimal value through strategy, alignment, and execution.

The role's responsibilities include:

  • Lead a team of state lobbyists who Influence state legislation and regulation affecting GSK's business interests across the enterprise and in the following disease areas: Oncology, Vaccines, Specialty, Respiratory and HIV.
  • Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of existing state policies affecting GSK across the U.S., including product access and reimbursement, sales and marketing restrictions, and Public Health initiatives.
  • Rallies the team around the objective of engaging in legislative coalition-building and performing other functions designed to help ensure a legislative and regulatory environment that recognizes and rewards the value and importance of innovative medicines.
  • Ensures the team is influencing industry trade associations to effectively include GSK's priorities.
  • Responsible for identifying and establishing cross U.S. Commercial annual legislative and policy objectives in coordination with US CGA leadership.
  • Identifies and educates internal GSK stakeholders and, as necessary, creates cross-functional working groups to keep all apprised of the status of the issues as they evolve, to assure that advocacy remains informed by current business strategy.
  • Facilitates cross-functional internal stakeholder teams at the enterprise level on SGA policy objectives
  • Collaborates, where appropriate, with Market Access Account Executives and Field Sales staff to implement a seamless cross U.S. Commercial state strategy that promote GSK's brands and/or issues and/or relationships in the states of identified regions.
  • Strategically manages the activities of contract lobbyists or other consultants as required.
  • Ensures the state team is proactively establishing local alliances with key advocacy groups, business associations or other groups as appropriate to further GSK's priorities. Assure transparency and vales-based mechanisms for funding, strategy, and relationship development.
  • Participate with matrix teams and task forces, both with GSK business units and with external organizations, to advocate GSK priorities.
  • Work with other US CGA colleagues to coordinate efforts and assure consistency in messaging.
  • Provides input for memos, educational materials, and presentations, as necessary, for senior leadership
  • Represent the GSK Employees Political Action Committee (PAC).

As a leader you will be accountable for your direct reports.

  • Set clear direction for your team aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Reprioritize work, as needed, while acting with a sense of urgency. Enable others to do their job well by communicating information and making decisions in a clear, timely manner.
  • Develop key performance metrics to ensure they are consistent with the overall plans for the function and that these metrics promote cohesive and integrated planning within the Policy team, across GAPPA and U.S. Commercial.
  • Directs the preparation and management of the operating budget, focusing on driving value, improving quality, enhancing efficiency, and applying good stewardship to operating costs.
  • Achieve results with and through others.
  • Establishes and maintains effective communication within the team and across CGA and U.S. Commercial.
  • Provide direct reports with appropriate coaching, mentoring and development.
  • Demonstrate effective working relationships both within and outside of the team. Actively lead across the business matrix through partnership and collaboration.

Why You?

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10+years of experience in government affairs including working in state government, legislature and/or lobbying those entities.
  • Experience in developing working relationships with diverse individuals and groups
  • Demonstrated ability to work with numerous internal and external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in general business, pharmacy, retail, pharmacy benefit management, insurance, or healthcare issues
  • Multi-state experience in healthcare industry, experience with state Medicaid and health insurance programs
  • Ability to handle several complex and difficult projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Proven, effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a variety of Company management, retained counsel, legislators and other elected/appointed officials, regulators, staff of trade associations and other key stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage contract lobbyists.
  • Pre-existing relationships with state level legislators and influencers
  • The preferred location is Washington, DC or Philadelphia, PA

#LI-GSK

The US annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges from $201,750 to $336,250. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate's skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases - to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the appropriate Recruitment Staff by emailing us at -usrecruitment.adjustments@gsk.com

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK's compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/


What GlaxoSmithKline employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


GlaxoSmithKline logo

About GlaxoSmithKline

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GlaxoSmithKline is a globally recognized pharmaceutical and healthcare company based in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Originated from a merger between Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in 2000, the company excels in the pharmaceutical industry and holds a leading position in making medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer. They adhere to core values of transparency, integrity, respect for people, and patient-focus, reflecting in their endeavors to conduct research and deliver innovative healthcare solutions to patients and consumers worldwide.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US