Vice President, Patient Affairs

Position Overview:

Astria Therapeutics is dedicated to bringing hope with life-changing therapies to patients and families affected by allergic and immunological diseases. Astria’s pipeline includes our lead program, STAR-0215, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein in clinical development for the treatment of hereditary angioedema, as well as STAR-0310, an OX40 monoclonal antibody antagonist currently in pre-clinical development for atopic dermatitis (AD) and being explored for other allergic and immunological diseases.

We are seeking an experienced leader to join Astria as the Vice President, Patient Affairs and lead our patient affairs function. This role will oversee patient advocacy and engagement as well as government affairs globally for the company. This role will play a key role in the evolution of our organization and lead the patient affairs strategy throughout the continuum of preclinical and clinical development to commercialization for Astria’s pipeline of programs. The Vice President, Patient Affairs will have a pivotal role in championing the needs and perspectives of patients within Astria. This senior leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the patient journey, exceptional relationship building skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to ensure patient experiences and perspectives guide drug development throughout our programs at Astria. This role will also oversee government affairs priorities to advocate for policies that enhance patient access to therapies with agency support and in collaboration with colleagues. This leader will initially manage one direct report with an opportunity for future growth in the function and reports to the Chief Business Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the global patient affairs strategy through preclinical and clinical development to commercialization across Astria’s pipeline. The role will have global responsibility to develop the patient advocacy strategy across key markets and lead execution of the strategy by the team.
• Drive, build, and enhance strategic alliances with national and global patient advocacy groups, policy makers, and patients/caregivers to advance Astria’s patient-guided drug development.
• Foster an industry-leading patient-oriented culture at Astria.
• Represent Astria at patient advocacy events and conferences as well as scientific congresses to foster key connections with essential stakeholders.
• Partner cross functionally broadly throughout the organization including program teams, research, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical development, medical affairs, new product planning, regulatory affairs, and corporate communications to ensure patient advocacy organization and patient insights guide the programs throughout the development process.
• Ensure that the experiences and needs of patients are a key component of evaluating business development and indication expansion opportunities.
• Plan, organize, and direct overall government affairs strategies to communicate and support our policy objectives in partnership with the government affairs agency as well as monitor key policies and collaborate with colleagues to build relationships with legislators.
• Oversee our relationship with the Rare Disease Company Coalition

Qualifications:

• Four-year undergraduate degree (ex. BA, BS) required, advanced degree in a relevant field a plus
• 15 years of progressive pharmaceutical/biotechnology experience with 12 years of patient advocacy/ relevant professional experience and experience in a competitive space a plus
• Well established ability to lead and further build the patient affairs function in a growing pharmaceutical/biotechnology organization through development and commercialization to ensure the experience and needs of patients guide decision making.
• Strong leadership skills with experience defining the vision for the patient affairs function including strategic planning and supporting the development and growth of team members.
• Proven track record of building trusting, meaningful relationships with patient advocacy organizations and patient communities
• Strong understanding of the legal, regulatory, and compliance environment, including a strong understanding of guidelines and best practices for patient advocacy engagement
• Extensive experience serving as a company ambassador and spokesperson with external stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative, able to successfully develop and maintain strong working relationships cross-functionally with colleagues and with external stakeholders.
• Experience with developing and executing government affairs strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Travel: 25% (domestic and international)

Astria’s Commitment:

At Astria, we are committed to building a diverse team where every Astrian is empowered to bring their authentic self to work. We embrace a patient-first, people-always culture in which all Astrians and our collaborators have a sense of belonging and receive the support they need to thrive. We invest in our people through our words, our actions, and our values. We are working to develop and implement initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization and foster a culture of openness, respect, and collaboration, where all voices are heard, and everyone is valued for their unique perspectives and contribution.

People are our greatest asset, and only with a diverse team can Astria shine brighter. Together we can bring our passion and compassion to the work of delivering life-changing therapies to patients, families and communities.