Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Deputy Vice President for its Public Affairs team. This position will report to the Vice President of Public Affairs and will play a pivotal role in managing and advancing PhRMA’s strategic political research and polling operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in political research, campaign measurement, and survey methodologies, and will work collaboratively to provide data-driven insights that support strategic decision-making and implementation.

The Deputy Vice President will:

• Lead Research Initiatives: Design, execute, and manage political research and polling projects, leveraging quantitative, qualitative, and emerging methodologies to deliver actionable insights.
• Provide Analytical Support: Analyze and synthesize polling and research data to inform public affairs strategies, reputation management efforts, and industry positioning.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with strategy, public affairs, and leadership teams to translate research findings into actionable recommendations and support strategic implementation.
• Manage Vendor Relationships: Oversee third-party research firms, ensuring the quality and reliability of studies and data.
• Create Informative Deliverables: Prepare and present research findings through memos, presentations, and visual materials tailored for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Innovate and improve PhRMA’s polling and research practices, including the integration of advanced tools like AI and social listening into methodologies.
• Support Measurement and Evaluation: Develop and apply metrics for campaign and advocacy effectiveness, providing post-campaign assessments to ensure ongoing refinement and improvement.
• Serve as a Research Expert: Represent the organization in internal and external meetings, effectively communicating research methodologies, findings, and implications to diverse audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Success Factors 

PhRMA seeks a proactive, detail-oriented candidate who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment and demonstrates:

• Expertise in political research, polling methodologies, and survey design.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Ability to communicate complex research findings to diverse, non-technical audiences in a compelling and accessible manner.
• A collaborative approach that incorporates diverse stakeholder perspectives into research efforts.
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Political savvy and a strong understanding of the advocacy landscape.

Professional Experience / Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in political research, polling, campaign measurement, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic insights, political process, and the advocacy environment.
• Proven ability to design and manage both quantitative and qualitative studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning, consulting, project management, and client relations.
• Team-oriented, collaborative approach that inspires confidence and incorporates diverse perspectives into team efforts.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, delegate, follow-up, and take initiative.
• Curiosity to inspire the right questions and determination to see projects through to completion.
• Advanced skills in statistical software, survey platforms, and social listening tools.
• Ability to synthesize, distill, and communicate complex issues and ideas to a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting campaigns, advocacy initiatives, or policy development through research.
• Ability to work productively with a diverse, bipartisan set of stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Experience

• Expertise in campaign performance measurement, including the development of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Familiarity with the biopharmaceutical or healthcare industries.
• A track record of successfully integrating research insights into strategic initiatives.

Potential Salary

  $187,100 - $266,700 per annum. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Who we are  
 The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $800 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.  

Connect with PhRMA
For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:
www.PhRMA.org
www.Innovation.org
www.MAT.org
www.Facebook.com/PhRMA
www.Twitter.com/PhRMA    

What we offer
In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, various opportunities for reward and recognition and a platform of extensive benefits, PhRMA is committed to the development and overall wellbeing of our team members. We offer traditional (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, STD, LTC) and enhanced benefits such as parental leave, a well-being program, an on-site fitness facility, back-up care, health advocate service, an employee assistance program, and commuting benefits. We also offer a robust 401k plan with employer contributions upon the first day of hire and immediate vesting, a generous paid time off plan, ten paid holidays (plus inauguration day), half day Fridays preceding holidays, half day Fridays in the summer months, and a paid winter break. As an organization, we work together together in the office on Mondays through Thursdays and remotely on Fridays. We also work remotely in August.

We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities including an integrated onboarding program, best-in-class leadership programming, tuition reimbursement, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management/professional development programs.  Corporate social responsibility is also important to us at PhRMA. Our team members participate in community service activities, fundraising drives and charitable athletic events.  

We are committed to supporting our family of professionals at PhRMA and strive to create programs that help our team members manage the challenges of balancing a fast-paced career with their personal goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. 

The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.

If you would like to apply, please submit your resume to our Shadow Search partners:

• Will Caggiano: will@shadowsearch.co
• Patrick Eagan: patrick@shadowsearch.co