Sr. Manager, Government Affairs & Policy

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position can be based in San Diego, CA, Princeton, NJ or San Francisco, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office on average three days per week. Position Summary As the Sr. Manager, Government Affairs & Policy, you will lead compelling internal and external communications that elevate Acadia’s policy and advocacy priorities while amplifying our voice with key stakeholders. You will play a meaningful role in supporting state government affairs initiatives, partnering closely with the Director of State Government Affairs & Policy and building relationships that drive real-world policy impact. This opportunity is ideal for a strategic, passionate communicator who thrives at the intersection of healthcare policy, advocacy, and cross‑functional collaboration. Primary Responsibilities Develop materials to support GAP internal communications and external advocacy programs. These may include internal newsletters, intranet content, program updates, talking points, slide decks; and external advocacy materials such as draft letters, emails, infographics and other collateral for use in advocacy programs At the direction of the Director of State Government Affairs, build strong and productive relationships with relevant state and local elected officials, community-based organizations, and civic partners to elevate Acadia’s visibility and drive successful outcomes for policy priorities Monitor state legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely analysis and updates to internal stakeholders Represent Acadia in relevant state and local trade associations and coalitions (e.g., BIOCOM, California Life Sciences Association, BioNJ) Partner with internal functions to develop briefing materials, policy positions, and presentations tailored to state and federal stakeholders Support the entire GAP team and work closely with our internal partners on the AIR, Commercial, Communications, Medical, R&D, Regulatory teams and others as directed Other duties as assigned. Education/Experience/Skills Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as health care administration or public policy, or equivalent relevant experience, with 5+ years of experience in health care policy and a strong understanding of today’s complex health care policy landscape. Proven ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats Experience anticipating public policy trends in the health care sector Strong understanding of the current political environment and of policy-making processes at the state and federal level, including both legislative and regulatory processes Experience working across multiple functions within an organization to advance team- and enterprise-level goals Demonstrated ability to work collaborative and achieve consensus across a matrix environment Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously with precise attention to detail, quality, and timelines. Physical Requirements This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs. #LI-HYBRID #LI-CS1 In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location. Salary Range $149,000 — $186,400 USD What we offer US-based Employees: Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages Medical, dental, and vision insurance Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5% Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in 15+ vacation days 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st 10 days of paid sick time Paid parental leave benefit Tuition assistance EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here. It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law. As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at [email protected] or 858-261-2923 . Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment. California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy. Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents with in our Privacy Policy. Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy. Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.