Sr Manager External Affairs Southeast
About the role
Join PMI and be part of a growing team focused on transforming the industry towards a smoke-free future. This Sr Manager role in External Affairs will report to the Southeast Regional Director and play a crucial role in developing and implementing PMI's government relations and public policy strategies in key Southeast states.
Responsibilities
- Lead and own strategic relationships with key policymakers across Southeastern states, advancing PMI’s long-term policy agenda
- Direct engagement strategies with senior government officials, including Governors, Attorneys General, and legislative leadership
- Synthesize legislative intelligence into strategic insights, advising senior leadership on risks, scenarios, and recommended actions
- Own end-to-end policy positioning, including development of white papers, executive briefings, and formal regulatory submissions
- Design and deploy integrated advocacy campaigns, including grassroots, third-party engagement, and coalition-building efforts
- Develop innovative, non-traditional strategies to influence policy and public debate aligned with smoke-free objectives
- Lead high-visibility external engagements, including stakeholder events, site visits, and scientific engagement forums
- Operate with full ownership of priorities, with limited administrative or transactional responsibilities
Requirements
- Extensive experience in government affairs, public policy, or political strategy, with demonstrated impact on policy outcomes
- Proven ability to operate at senior stakeholder levels and influence decision-making
- Deep expertise in state policy environments and legislative processes, with ability to anticipate and shape outcomes
- Demonstrated ownership of complex, cross-functional initiatives
- Strong record in strategic stakeholder engagement and coalition-building
- Executive-level communication, negotiation, and influencing capability
- Ability to independently lead high-impact initiatives in ambiguous environments
- Willing to travel (~50%) to support strategic stakeholder engagement
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in government affairs, public policy, or political strategy
- Experience in developing and implementing public policy strategies
- Strong understanding of state policy environments and legislative processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
Skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Collaborative and team-oriented approach
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Benefits
- Competitive base salary ranging from $160,000 to $200,000 annually
- Annual bonus (applicable based on level of position)
- Great medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with a generous company match
- Incredible wellness benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Pet insurance
- Generous paid time off
Pay
- Annual Base Salary Range: $160,000-$200,000
Schedule
- Hybrid work model
Company Information
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.