Ardelyx is a publicly traded commercial biopharmaceutical company founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first‑in‑class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs. Ardelyx has two commercial products approved in the United States, IBSRELA® (tenapanor) and XPHOZAH® (tenapanor). It has agreements for the development and commercialization of tenapanor outside of the U.S. Kyowa Kirin commercializes PHOZEVEL® (tenapanor) for hyperphosphatemia in Japan, Fosun Pharma holds a New Drug Application in China, and Knight Therapeutics commercializes IBSRELA in Canada.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Patient Advocacy, the Director of Government Affairs will lead and execute the Ardelyx government affairs strategy at the state and federal levels in close alignment with our gastrointestinal and renal business leaders. This role serves as a key advisor on public policy matters and drives engagement with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders. The Director develops and advances policy strategies that support patient access and organizational objectives, partnering cross‑functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between government affairs initiatives and business goals.
Responsibilities
- Lead state government engagement across the Northeast region, focusing on federal delegation, local government, and stakeholders in Massachusetts on key policy issues.
- Develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve desired outcomes through 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 efforts align with company objectives and serve patient needs.
- 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 the company’s business objectives.
Qualifications
- 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.
- Pharmaceutical sector and therapeutic area experience preferred.
- 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 the ability to influence all levels of business.
- Passion, dedication, and commitment to patient centricity.
- 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%.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full‑time position is $221,000 – $270,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure competitive compensation aligned with industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.
Ardelyx offers a robust benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with a 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, an annual Winter Holiday shutdown, and at least 11 paid holidays.
Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.
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