Director/Sr. Director, Patient Advocacy

Mavericks Wanted

When was the last time you achieved the impossible? If that thought feels overwhelming, you might want to pause here, but if it sparks excitement…read on 

In 2015, we pioneered a “moneyball for biotech” approach, pooling projects and promising early-stage research from academia together under one financial umbrella to reduce risk and unleash innovation. This model allows science and small teams of experts to lead the way. We build bridges to groundbreaking advancements in rare disease, and develop life-changing medicines for patients with unmet needs as fast as humanly possible. 

Together we define white space, push boundaries and empower people to solve problems. If you're someone who defies convention, join us and work alongside some of the most respected minds in the industry. Together, we'll ask "why not?" and help reengineer the future of biopharma.

Affiliate Overview

ML Bio Solutions (ML Bio), an affiliate within BridgeBio Pharma, was founded in 2018, dedicated to finding a cure for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9 FKRP-related (LGMD2I/LGMDR9). ML Bio is developing BBP-418, potentially the first oral treatment for patients with LGMD2I.

What You'll Do

The Director/Sr. Director, Patient Advocacy will lead the global patient advocacy function at ML Bio, reporting to the Chief Medical Officer. The Director will be responsible for shaping and implementing the global advocacy and engagement strategy at ML Bio and will ensure productive and enduring relationships with patient advocacy organizations supporting individuals living with LGMD2I/R9 and other alpha-dystroglycanopathies. The individual will align the advocacy strategy with the Medical Affairs/scientific platform and corporate strategies, lead global outreach to patient advocacy groups, and educate and support internal teams, ensuring they are aware of the needs and experiences of patients. The ideal candidate should thrive in a high-energy, dynamic work environment, be able to work both independently and collaboratively and maintain focus on the needs of patients and families. This is a critical role to the team because BridgeBio ultimately exists to help patients, and “putting patients first” is a core value.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest level of ethics. Act with honesty, integrity, and transparency in collaboration with patients, families, and patient organizations
• Inspire a patients first mentality by communicating the “voice of the patient/caregiver” to internal teams and incorporating patient stories, imagery, and unmet needs in company activities and materials
• Develop and execute global patient advocacy strategy for the late clinical stage LGMD2I/R9 program at ML Bio Solutions, as well as development in other alpha-dystroglycanopathies by collaborating with internal teams that include clinical development, clinical operations, medical affairs, patient safety, legal, compliance, communications, commercial/marketing, and corporate development
• Conduct patient advisory boards and other activities to listen to the needs, experience, and opinions of patients and their family members at appropriate stages of clinical development
• Contribute to the organizational strategic planning process by providing patient and patient advocacy perspectives and sharing insights gleaned from interactions with those groups
• Display a thorough understanding of the latest compliance, legal, regulatory, and related matters affecting the biopharmaceutical sector regarding patient engagement, e.g., uphold confidentiality regarding sensitive scientific data and HIPAA-protected or GDRP-protected patient information
• Initiate and oversee the medical, legal, and regulatory review process for all advocacy communications and materials
• Oversee the advocacy budget and coordinate associated responsibilities, including managing grant and sponsorship requests by Patient Advocacy organizations

Where You’ll Work

• This a U.S-based remote role that will require quarterly, or as needed visits to our San Francisco Office.  This role will also require periodic travel to meetings, conferences and engagement activities, including some international travel.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant life science field is required; a post-graduate degree in counseling, social work, genetic counseling, public health, nursing, pharmacy, or life sciences is strongly valued
• A passion for helping and partnering with the patient community
• A minimum of 5 years in patient advocacy/advocacy relations or a similar function in an industry role is preferred; Experience in rare disease is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with patient advocacy organizations, professional associations, or other stakeholders is required
• Working knowledge of HIPAA and US and European guidelines for interactions with patients and patient organizations. A commitment to the protection of patients’ privacy and interests and a strong sense of ethics is important for this position
• Communicative ability in a second language would be highly valuable
• The ability to travel up to 25% (often on weekends) is required

Rewarding Those Who Make the Mission Possible

We have high expectations for our team members. We make sure those working hard for patients are rewarded and cared for in return. 

Financial Benefits:

• Market leading compensation 
• 401K with 100% employer match on first 3% & 50% on the next 2%
• Employee stock purchase program
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Referral program with $2,500 award for hired referrals

Health & Wellbeing:

• Comprehensive health care with 100% premiums covered - no cost to you and dependents
• Mental health support via Spring Health (6 therapy sessions & 6 coaching sessions)
• Hybrid work model - employees have the autonomy in where and how they do their work 
• Unlimited flexible paid time off - take the time that you need
• Paid parental leave - 4 months for birthing parents & 2 months for non-birthing parents
• Flex spending accounts & company-provided group term life & disability 
• Subsidized lunch via Forkable on days worked from our office

Skill Development & Career Paths:

• People are part of our growth and success story - from discovery to active drug trials and FDA pipelines, there are endless opportunities for skill development and internal mobility
• We provide career pathing through regular feedback, continuous education and professional development programs via LinkedIn Learning, LifeLabs, Spring Health & BetterUp Coaching
• We celebrate strong performance with financial rewards, peer-to-peer recognition, and growth opportunities