Executive Director, Clinical Development

Travere Therapeutics • San Diego, CA

6d • $246,000 - $332,000 • 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 role shapes and executes development strategy, focusing on scientifically rigorous, patient-centered, operationally feasible plans for rare renal indications. The Executive Director partners with Research, Translational Medicine, Regulatory, Biometrics, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Commercial, and Program Management, and contributes to portfolio and governance decisions. This position reports to the VP of Global Clinical Development.

The position leads clinical development strategy and study design and oversight across phases, supports study conduct and clinical data interpretation, and contributes to regulatory strategy and health authority interactions. It also drives cross-functional program alignment, integrated development planning, risk mitigation, external relationships, and selected due diligence activities. The role is listed as San Diego, USA—Remote; however, all positions require the ability to perform face-to-face work with colleagues and/or onsite in San Diego, and no role is expected to be 100% remote. Domestic and international travel of up to 20–25% may be required.

Requirements

• MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree; equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.
• 10 or more years of relevant experience in clinical research or drug development.
• 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 a multidisciplinary team and cultivate inclusive, respectful, open, and honest dialogue and robust sharing of ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage shifting responsibilities in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complexity and challenges.
• Ability to adapt to changes in project plans 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: Courage, Community Spirit, Patient Focus, and Teamwork.
• Drive, intelligence, and passion for making a difference for patients with rare diseases.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical development strategy for assigned trials and contribute to indication strategy, target product profile, clinical positioning, and lifecycle planning.
• Design and oversee clinical 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.
• Lead analysis and interpretation of 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 resource needs.
• Lead clinical development discussions within program teams and represent Clinical Development at governance forums, presenting assessments, strategic options, and recommendations.
• Build integrated development plans with cross-functional partners and ensure 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.
• 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 project 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%.
• Be able to perform face-to-face work with colleagues and/or onsite in San Diego.

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.
• Base pay and short-term incentive compensation.
• 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