Government Affairs/Lobbying Associate

Company

Elusys Therapeutics, a leading biodefense-focused pharmaceutical company, is dedicated to providing Government stockpiles with life-saving medical countermeasure drugs that enable fast, effective, and durable treatment against infectious or biological threat agents. Our goal is to accelerate the development and commercialization of novel biodefense solutions, such as our anthrax antitoxin ANTHIM® (obiltoxaximab), for strategic government partners around the world.

Position Summary

The Associate in the Government Affairs department is a high-growth role on the Government Affairs team, reporting directly to the Vice President of Government Affairs, and will serve as a key member of the Government Affairs team. This role supports Elusys’ global Government Affairs strategy and portfolio—including the direct lobbying on biodefense and preparedness-related issues, advocacy on federal appropriations and authorization efforts, policy development, public affairs, and global policy issues. The Associate will also help develop think-tank style policy papers, support external 501(C)4 programs, and drive integrated strategies that support the Government Affairs strategy to strengthen Elusys’ impact within the national and international biodefense landscape. The role will also support the Business Development department, helping to negotiate key government procurement transactions and strategic business partnerships, and will coordinate closely with the Operations Team in this capacity.

The Associate will guide day-to-day execution of Elusys’ Government Affairs strategy and will closely coordinate with other team members on the Government Affairs and Operations teams, while also providing support for hired contract lobbyists and industry advocacy coalitions. The Associate will represent Elusys in high-visibility forums that strengthen the company’s strategic presence and advance health security, biodefense, and preparedness policy interests of the company.

The successful candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented leader with strong communication skills and a track record of navigating complex policy environments. This individual thrives under tight timelines, adapts quickly, and consistently drives strategies that advance corporate priorities and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the execution of a comprehensive global Government Affairs strategy that advances biodefense, preparedness, and stockpiling policy environments and drives federal and international procurement of Elusys products, as part of a strong and robust Government Affairs team.
• Conduct bipartisan lobbying and advocacy work in support of the Government Affairs strategy, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
• Develop complex, strategic narratives that advance policy and public affairs interests of the company, that strengthen Elusys’ positioning as a thought leader in biodefense.
• Coordinate many key day-to-day activities of the company’s contract lobbyists, government affairs advisors, international partners, and the Elusys Biothreat Advisory Board, to ensure alignment with corporate priorities and strategies.
• Provide support for lobbying registration and compliance management.
• Develop corporate presentations, agendas, fact-sheets, and other deliverables related to Government Affairs and/or business development efforts.
• Conduct legislative, budgetary, and regulatory research.
• Act as a liaison across internal and external stakeholders, integrating business, policy, and government perspectives to resolve issues, drive strategic decision-making, and ensure timely achievement of program milestones and deliverables.
• Identify, assess, and champion emerging strategic business opportunities that expand Elusys’ capabilities and strengthen competitive positioning.
• Development of political and policy alignment and framework in allied nations, including across Europe and Asia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; majors in political science, business, finance, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Required 1-4 years of experience working on Capitol Hill or in lobbying, with demonstrated career growth in that time.
• Preferable experience navigating healthcare, defense, or appropriations issues, with a demonstrated understanding of navigating complex legislative, political, and regulatory environments, under challenging or fast-moving political environments.
• Personal interest in healthcare or defense issues, with a strong appetite to learn and become a subject matter expert in these areas.
• Exceptional ability to build strategic bipartisan relationships, with a robust network across Capitol Hill.
• Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams, manage external partners, and drive alignment while maintaining strong and productive working relationships.
• Outstanding communication skills, including extraordinary written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
• Must be a voracious reader, with a constant drive to continue learning and growing.
• Highly self-directed and a strategic thinker, with the capacity to operate independently and work remotely under high-stress environments.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• While this position is remote, the candidate must be based in the Washington D.C. area.
• Travel: up to 20% (not including local, Washington D.C. travel)

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $80,000.00 Base Salary + Annual Bonus + Benefits