Government Relations, Compliance, and Records Specialist - Legal

The Wistar Institute “The 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.

The Institute has an opening for a hybrid Government Relations, Compliance, and Records Specialist within the legal department who will report to the VP, General Counsel, Secretary & Government Relations. This individual will assist in supporting and advocating for the mission and priorities of the Wistar Institute through the development of strategic relationships with government agencies and policymakers; monitoring legislative developments; assisting in developing briefings, fact sheets and other communications material often involving sophisticated scientific information. The position will also support institutional compliance initiatives and the development and maintenance of policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and funding requirements. The individual in this role will be the point person for matters relating to archives and historical, scientific museum collections.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in fostering partnerships with government officials and policymakers to advocate for the interests of the Wistar Institute; represent the Institute with federal, state, and local agencies; establish strategic relationships that support engagement with policymakers.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislation, proposals, policies, emerging issues, and regulations; determine impact to the Institute; present findings and recommendations as requested.
• Assist in influencing government policy and legislative direction to advance the Institute’s goals related to research and training.
• Develop and execute initiatives, action committees, briefings, and outreach events; coordinate meetings with state and federal collaborative groups.
• Assist in the development of materials related to appropriations, statutory reporting requirements, grant and contract funding requirements, government reporting obligations, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Develop and maintain relationships with organizations, associations and strategic partners whose objectives align with the Institute’s mission and advocacy priorities.
• Assist in developing communication materials including reports, fact sheets, briefs, memos, and presentations.
• Assist with the Institute’s efforts to maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, regulations, and directives, grant conditions, funding agency requirements, and institutional policies; track compliance obligations and maintain related records and documentation.
• Assist with managing institutional compliance training programs and monitoring compliance with regulatory, funding agency, and institutional requirements.
• Evaluate, organize, and preserve institutional records and documents that have administrative, legal, historical, or operational significance and assist in maintaining information governance practices.
• Maintain all records regarding materials in the historical, scientific museum collection, including the location, conservation status, accessioning and deaccessioning of such material as well as being responsible for loan agreements and third-party inquiries relating to material in the museum collection. Supports access management and document control processes for institutional records, archives and museum collection materials.
• Assists the Board Secretary in coordinating meetings, including preparation and distribution of agendas, meeting materials, and governance documents.

Qualifications: 

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (ex: political science, public administration, public policy, science or a related discipline) is required. Advanced degrees are welcomed and valued.  Candidates should have relevant experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, legislative affairs, ideally within state government or Congress, or scientific training at the undergraduate or graduate level. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as well as strong organizational skills are a requirement.

Candidates with proven expertise in issue management, advocacy, or association management are preferred. It is expected that the candidate will have a strong ability to analyze complex policy issues as they relate to complex scientific research and effectively communicate them to both internal teams and external government officials. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate high-level executive visits. Candidates with established networks and relationships with state legislators, governors, and local policymakers, particularly in Pennsylvania are preferred.

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.