What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Relations Specialist position at The Wistar Institute?
The Wistar Institute is a world leader in early-stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology, and infectious disease. Wistar is committed to accelerating research advances from bench to bedside through brilliant science and distinctive approaches to collaboration among scientific investigators and academic and industry partners. Wistar’s dynamic environment supports the advancement of discoveries that will change the future of human health.
Wistar has a current opening for a Government Relations Specialist to join its Legal department. Reporting to Wistar's Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary & Government Relations, the Government Relations Specialist will assist in supporting and advocating for the mission and priorities of Wistar through the development of strategic relationships with government agencies and policymakers; monitoring legislative developments in order to determine impact to Wistar; assisting in developing briefings, fact sheets and other communications material.
Duties and responsibilities include:
Assisting in fostering partnerships with government officials and policymakers to advocate for the interests of Wistar.
Represents Wistar with federal, state, and local agencies; establishes strategic relationships that strengthen legislative influence.
Monitors, analyzes, and interprets legislation, proposals, policies, emerging issues, and regulations; determines impact to Wistar; presents findings and recommendations as requested.
Assists in influencing government policy and legislative direction to advance Wistar’s goals related to research and training.
Develops and executes initiatives, action committees, briefings, and outreach events, coordinates meetings with state and federal collaborative groups.
Assists in the development of materials related to issue briefs, appropriations, statutory reporting requirements, grant and contract funding requirements.
Aligns with organizations that have complementary objectives to enhance business or organizational goals, supports relationships with organizations and partners.
Assists in developing communication materials including reports, fact sheets, briefs, memos, and presentations.
Assists with Wistar’s efforts to maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, regulations, and directives.
A Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Applicants must have exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Applicants with at least two years of experience in legislative affairs, ideally within state government, Congress, or a corporate/organizational government relations role are preferred. Proven expertise in issue management, advocacy, or association management is desired. Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues and effectively communicate them to both internal teams and external government officials is preferred. An established network and relationships with state legislators, governors, and local policymakers, particularly in Pennsylvania is preferred.
This position is remote. Candidates are required to live within the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware).
The Wistar Institute is located in the University City area of Philadelphia, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania Campus. Wistar provides resources to its faculty and staff that enable them to conduct cutting edge collaborative research and provides for outstanding intellectual environments and state-of-the-art facilities.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
For more information about The Wistar Institute visit our website at www.wistar.org.
