Director, Government Affairs

Ardelyx • Waltham, MA

1d

About The Position

Ardelyx is a publicly traded commercial biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative first-in-class medicines that address significant unmet medical needs. The company has two commercial products approved in the United States, IBSRELA® (tenapanor) and XPHOZAH® (tenapanor), and has agreements for the development and commercialization of tenapanor outside of the U.S. The Director of Government Affairs will report to the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Patient Advocacy. This role is responsible for leading and executing Ardelyx's government affairs strategy at both state and federal levels, in close alignment with the gastrointestinal and renal business leaders. The Director will serve as a key advisor on public policy matters and drive engagement with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders. This individual will develop and advance policy strategies that support patient access and organizational objectives, while partnering cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between government affairs initiatives and business goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred, with 10+ years of experience in government affairs, patient advocacy, public health policy, communications, or related fields, including pharmaceutical industry experience, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated outstanding strategic planning, communication and presentation skills
• A high level of energy and passion toward patients, science and public health
• Working knowledge and appreciation of the complexities of the drug development process and regulatory requirements
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact with and influence all levels of business
• Passion, dedication and commitment to patient centricity
• A desire to work in the corporate culture of a highly innovative company aimed at redefining health and transforming lives with new medicines
• Ability to travel up to 35%

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred
• Pharmaceutical sector and therapeutic area experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead state government engagement across the Northeast region of the country with attention to the federal delegation, local government, and stakeholders in Massachusetts on key policy issues
• Develop and implement appropriate strategies and tactics to achieve the desired outcomes through a combination of direct lobbying and legislative coalition-building
• Manage external consultants and advocacy partners, ensuring effective, compliant execution of legislative and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Develop and execute strategies to ensure patients have access to our medicines in collaboration with Market Access and Marketing
• Collaborate with the Sr. Directors of Patient Advocacy to work with government stakeholders on patient awareness initiatives
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Communications, Policy, and Medical Affairs teammates to ensure that efforts are aligned to meet company objectives and most effectively serve the needs of patients
• Work closely with the commercial organization on key issues of importance for patients and patient advocates, including disease awareness, pricing and access, and patient support
• Provide strategic input into the development and resource prioritization for the Company’s annual government affairs plan
• Identify and pursue additional opportunities to advance our company’s business objectives

Benefits

• a 401(k) plan with generous employer match
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave
• equity incentive plans
• health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision)
• life insurance and disability
• flexible time off
• annual Winter Holiday shut down
• at least 11 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees