Executive Director, Clinical Development

Travere • San Diego, CA

5d • Remote

About The Position

Travere Therapeutics is seeking an experienced, strategic Executive Director, Clinical Development to serve as a nephrology lead for one or more clinical trials in rare kidney diseases. The position shapes and executes scientifically rigorous, patient-centered, and operationally feasible development plans, partnering with Research, Translational Medicine, Regulatory, Biometrics, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Commercial, and Program Management. The Executive Director contributes to portfolio and governance decisions and reports to the VP of Global Clinical Development.

The role leads clinical development strategy for assigned trials and programs, including study design and oversight, clinical data interpretation, preparation and review of key development documents, and cross-functional execution. It also contributes to global regulatory strategy and health authority interactions, represents Clinical Development at governance forums, and builds relationships with external experts, investigators, and patient advocacy groups. The position may support due diligence and business development activities.

The role is based in the United States and listed as remote, but positions are not expected to be 100% remote; face-to-face work with colleagues and/or onsite work in San Diego is an essential job function. Domestic and international travel of up to 20–25% is required.

Requirements

• MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree required; an equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.
• 10 or more years of relevant experience in clinical research or drug development, including at least 5 years in a leadership role responsible for clinical development strategy and major program decisions.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, dose selection, safety assessment, endpoint strategy, and interpretation of complex clinical datasets.
• Experience with regulatory submissions and health authority interactions.
• Deep appreciation of rare disease development challenges, including small populations, site selection, natural history, endpoint selection, and patient engagement.
• Excellent communication and influence skills, including the ability to synthesize complex issues for senior leaders and governance bodies.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and foster inclusive, respectful, open, and honest dialogue and creative problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, manage shifting responsibilities, and work in a dynamic cross-functional environment.
• Strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complexity and challenges.
• Ability to adapt to project-plan changes and implement new strategies and tactics.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20–25%.
• Ability to perform face-to-face work with colleagues and/or onsite in San Diego.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced training in nephrology.
• Prior experience leading clinical programs in nephrology, rare disease, or closely related therapeutic areas.
• Direct experience in rare kidney diseases, including inherited, glomerular, complement-mediated, or other orphan renal disorders.
• Experience with biomarkers, translational medicine, and precision medicine approaches relevant to renal disease.
• Experience in global development and multinational clinical trials.
• Familiarity with pediatric and adolescent development considerations in rare disease, depending on program scope.
• Alignment with Travere’s core values of Courage, Community Spirit, Patient Focus, and Teamwork; driven, intelligent, and passionate about making a difference for rare disease patients.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall clinical development strategy for assigned clinical trials and contribute to indication strategy, target product profile, clinical positioning, and lifecycle planning.
• Design and oversee studies across phases, including protocol concepts, eligibility criteria, endpoints, dose selection, and statistical considerations.
• Provide leadership for study conduct, including protocol deviation review and data interpretation.
• Analyze and interpret clinical data and author or review protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and health authority briefing materials.
• Partner with Biometrics on analysis strategy and clinically meaningful interpretation of efficacy, safety, PK/PD, and biomarker data.
• Serve as lead nephrologist for assigned development programs and drive cross-functional alignment on goals, timelines, risks, decision points, and resources.
• Lead clinical development discussions within program teams and represent Clinical Development at governance forums, presenting integrated assessments, strategic options, and recommendations.
• Build integrated development plans with cross-functional partners and ensure disciplined execution against milestones.
• Identify program risks and develop mitigation strategies across clinical, regulatory, operational, and portfolio considerations.
• Contribute to global regulatory strategy and represent Clinical Development in interactions with FDA, EMA, and other health authorities.
• Help prepare for and participate in regulatory meetings, including IND and end-of-Phase 2 meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic experts, investigators, patient advocacy groups, and other external stakeholders in nephrology and rare disease.
• Support selected due diligence and business development activities, including assessment of external assets in nephrology or adjacent rare disease areas.
• Partner with Clinical Operations to ensure study designs are executable and enrollment strategies are realistic for rare disease settings.
• Collaborate with Non-Clinical teams to incorporate mechanistic and disease-relevant endpoints into development programs.
• Interface with Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacovigilance, CMC, HEOR, Medical Writing, and other functional leads as needed.
• Work with Medical Affairs and Commercial colleagues to align development plans with future evidence-generation needs and patient and community insights.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Travel domestically and internationally, up to 20–25%.
• Perform face-to-face work with colleagues and/or work onsite in San Diego as an essential job function.

Benefits

• Premium health, financial, work-life, and well-being offerings for eligible employees and dependents.
• Wellness and employee support programs.
• Life insurance.
• Disability benefits.
• Retirement plans with employer match.
• Generous paid time off.
• Cash compensation consisting of base pay and short-term incentive.
• Long-term incentive compensation in company stock.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree