Associate Director / Director, US Policy and Patient Advocacy

Hansa Biopharma•New York, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director/Director of US Policy and Patient Advocacy plays a pivotal role on the Global Corporate Affairs team at Hansa, responsible for setting and delivering the company’s US policy and patient advocacy engagement strategy aligned with corporate objectives and the rare immunological diseases business. This role analyzes the US policy and healthcare environment to identify opportunities and challenges impacting Hansa, developing and driving an actionable policy strategy. It works closely with US Market Access and cross-functional teams to support sustainable patient access to innovative therapies in rare disease. The position leads engagement with Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) relevant to Hansa’s therapeutic areas, building trusted relationships and structured collaboration plans. Through policy and patient advocacy initiatives, the role supports patient access, engagement, and collaboration across relevant parts of the healthcare ecosystem. The role serves as a bridge between patient organizations and Hansa, working closely with US Patient Marketing, and ensuring that patient perspectives are reflected in relevant decision-making. The individual in this role will report to the VP, Corporate Affairs. This position will be hybrid and based in Hansa’s NYC office and requires regular on-site presence, once the NYC office (Manhattan) is established.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in life sciences, public policy, business, or a related field required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPH, or equivalent) preferred
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in patient advocacy and/or public policy within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
Proven track record of developing and executing strategic initiatives/projects, including budget planning and management
Strong understanding of U.S. healthcare policy, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements related to patient advocacy engagement, with a demonstrated commitment to operating to the highest ethical standards
Experience of U.S. product launches is preferred
Therapeutic area experience in transplantation, rare diseases, and/or nephrology is strongly preferred
Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with patient advocacy organizations, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and internal cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to deliver results in a structured, efficient, and high-quality manner
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse external and internal audiences
Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, work collaboratively as part of a team, and contribute to a high-performing environment
High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%

Responsibilities

Analyze the US healthcare policy and external environment to identify opportunities and risks impacting Hansa’s commercial and clinical‑stage programs.
Develop and execute a US policy and environment‑shaping plan to support commercialization planning and product launches in the US by ensuring policy and patient advocacy considerations are integrated early and effectively.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (Global Corporate Affairs, Market Access, Commercial, Medical Affairs, R&D) to deliver on agreed policy and patient advocacy priorities.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with policy makers, public health decisionmakers, and patient advocacy groups to advance Hansa’s policy and patient engagement agenda.
Strategically identify and engage key Patient Advocacy Groups at US, national, and state levels, defining priority programs and partnership opportunities aligned with therapeutic areas.
Act as a trusted collaboration partner to Patient Advocacy Groups, supporting patient access, engagement, and education initiatives where appropriate and compliant.
Clearly and impactfully communicate Hansa’s policy positions to external policy, public health, and patient advocacy stakeholders.
Bring the patients/patient organization perspective into relevant Hansa decision making process.
Oversee and track corporate giving and PAG support initiatives, ensuring approved alignment with internal governance, compliance requirements, and ways of working.
Serve as an active and engaged member of the Global Corporate Affairs team, contributing to strategic development and cross‑enterprise collaboration.