Position Title:  Director Regulatory Communications

Be a part of a revolutionary change!

At Philip Morris International (PMI), we’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’re totally transforming our business and building our future on one clear purpose – to deliver a smoke-free future.

With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, if you join us, you’ll enjoy the freedom to dream up and deliver better, brighter solutions and the space to move your career forward in endlessly different directions. Our success depends on people who are committed to our purpose and have an appetite for progress.

The Director of State and Local Regulatory Communications will be responsible for working closely with the State External Affairs team to shape, drive and execute PMI’s communications strategy across state regulatory environments.   This position is responsible for leading the strategy, messaging, campaigns and regulatory communications for the State External Affairs Local External Affairs Team. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience operating within fast-paced, politically dynamic environments, preferably working directly with Governors, state legislators, Attorneys General, state regulatory agencies, public health officials, municipal government and other state and local-level stakeholders. Strong relationships across state media, policy influencers, and advocacy communities are essential, along with demonstrated experience in issues management and regulatory communications

As part of the U.S. Regulatory Communications team, you will develop and lead the external earned media strategy, manage issues specific to State and Local External Affairs, extend existing and build new relationships across multiple sectors to educate on PMIs mission to help tell our story. Knowledge of the tobacco industry, health care, the Food and Drug Administration, state regulatory agencies and local government would be valuable.

Your ‘day to day’:

• Design, lead and operationalize a comprehensive state and local regulatory communications strategy aligned with PMI’s mission and US External Affairs priorities, spanning earned, owned, shared and paid channels.
• Translate complex regulatory priorities into clear, compelling communications for state and local audiences including legislators, regulators, municipalities and agencies
• Act as company spokesperson in different state and local media inquiries and pitches.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns tailored to state regulatory landscapes and issues, coordinating closely with State Affairs, Local Affairs, Federal Affairs (as needed) and other cross functional teams.
• Execute rapid response communications strategies, adjusting priorities to manage new and emerging special situations external to the organization.
• Identify emerging state and local-level risks, political trends, regulatory shifts, or advocacy campaigns that may impact PMI.
• Develop proactive and reactive communications plans to address evolving issues—ensuring timely, accurate, and strategic rapid response. Create, manage and measure communications campaigns aimed at state regulators, advocacy groups, key opinion leaders, and policy influencers using KPIs to determine continuation, adjustment, or discontinuation of campaign efforts.   

• Lead at both a strategic and tactical level with State, Local and Federal Affairs Team. Counsel External Affairs Leadership on communications issues, strategies and events.

• Provide rapid, high quality executive communications support and counsel to the External Affairs Leadership.

• Write and develop compelling content for state/local-focused audiences across platforms including PMI’s corporate website, social media, shared and thought leadership channels.
• Initiate analyses of special situations that might impact PMI; develop and execute proactive/reactive plans for issues management by looking around corners.
• In coordination with the regulatory communications leadership, develop annual operating plan and budget, and quarterly forecast updates, in partnership with External Affairs team. Manage vendors on local assignments.
• Continually evaluate existing and potential communications channels to improve PMI’s presence and reach maximizing impact and effectiveness.
• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships (Human Resources, Investor Relations, Government Affairs, site heads, Global Communications, etc.) to establish a deep understanding of the PMI’s business and culture and apply to communications programs.
• Work collaboratively with the regulatory communications team to craft cohesive narratives, strategies and tactics across all levels of external affairs.

Who we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for degrees in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science with 15-20 years or equivalent mix of education and experience in Corporate or Government Communications.
• Exceptional writing (including grammar and punctuation) and presentation (oral and visual) skills.
• An experienced leader who has demonstrated ability supervising a team of communicators and PR professionals. Strong leadership skills, assertiveness and ability to develop staff members.
• Working knowledge of Federal/State/Local Government Affairs and the legislative process. Background in political/corporate communications would be appreciated.
• Awareness of digital and traditional news and political influencers space and advertising. Technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and create web and mobile content.
• Experience with paid and organic digital media strategy, optimization and performance analysis.
• Ability to process complex details and simplify them for average audiences in all forms of communications and media. Agile and experience with operating within a real time communications environment.
• Understanding of the bipartisan political environment and appreciation of the different political motivations at play in the state and local arena.
• Experience leading agency teams with demonstrated results.
• Experience with media pitching, booking television appearances interviews, prepping a principal for print & television interviews appearances.
• Willingness to take and provide constructive feedback up, down and laterally within the organization
• Political campaign considered a plus.
• Ability to manage budgets, including the forecasting of annual and quarterly projection, project management and planning.  Organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment

Annual Base Salary Range: $181,500-$242,000

What we offer  

• We offer a competitive base salary, annual bonus (applicable based on level of position), great medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with a generous company match, incredible wellness benefits, commuter benefits, pet insurance, generous PTO, and much more!  
• We have implemented Smart Work, a hybrid model of working that promotes flexibility in the workplace. 
• Seize the freedom to define your future and ours. We’ll empower you to take risks, experiment and explore.
• Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture where everyone’s contribution is respected; Collaborate with some of the world’s best people and feel like you belong.
• Pursue your ambitions and develop your skills with a global business – our staggering size and scale provides endless opportunities to progress.
• Take pride in delivering our promise to society: To improve the lives of millions of smokers.

PMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

PMI is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., and its U.S. affiliates have more than 2,300 employees.  

PMI has been an entirely separate company from Altria and Philip Morris USA since 2008. PMI’s affiliates first entered the U.S. market following the company’s acquisition of Swedish Match in late 2022. Philip Morris International and its U.S. affiliates are working to deliver a smoke-free future. Since 2008, PMI has invested $12.5 billion globally to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke with the goal of transitioning legal-age consumers who smoke to better alternatives. In 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match – a leader in oral nicotine delivery – creating a global smoke-free champion led by the IQOS and ZYN brands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized versions of PMI’s IQOS electronically heated tobacco devices and Swedish Match’s General snus as Modified Risk Tobacco Products and renewal applications for these products are presently pending before the FDA. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com/us and www.pmiscience.com.

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