Associate Director, Patient Advocacy

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Reporting to: Executive Director, Global Patient Advocacy

Job Summary

Orchard Therapeutics is a global gene therapy leader dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by rare diseases through the development of innovative, curative cell and gene therapies. Orchard has its global headquarters in London and U.S. headquarters in Boston, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin, a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company.

The Associate Director, Patient Advocacy will be responsible for leading relationship development with advocacy groups in aligned therapeutic areas, other relevant allied organizations and establishing new connections to further enhance our advocacy efforts. Primary geographic responsibility includes the U.S., with additional oversight of Canada and Latin America. By providing strategic input and executing on departmental strategy, this position is key in building and strengthening the patient advocacy function. The role requires demonstrated leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, ensuring the patient perspective is integrated across both internal and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

-          Partner with advocacy groups and patients to ensure the patient voice is integrated into clinical development, regulatory and market access discussions.

-          Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with key patient advocacy groups and community leaders.

-          Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders on relevant advocacy initiatives including efforts to support the advancement of newborn screening.

-          Work closely with internal teams, including clinical development, regulatory affairs, diagnostics, medical affairs, and commercial teams to align advocacy engagement with corporate objectives and the needs of patients.

-          Champion the patient voice and experience internally to inform the Company’s decision-making and communications, and to educate and inspire employees. 

-          Represent Orchard at conferences, patient-related events and stakeholder forums to support the goals of the patient advocacy strategy.

-          Role model corporate values and behaviors; comply with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate SOPs and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Experience & Knowledge

-          Minimum 5 years of experience in similar functions: Patient Advocacy, Public Affairs, Government Relations, Medical Affairs environment; minimum 3 years of experience in Patient Advocacy role within industry.

-          Track record of leading projects or initiatives that focus on improving patient care, providing resources for patients, and representing their interests.

-          Relationship-building experience with patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.

-          Strong knowledge of the rare disease landscape, including challenges patients face, the regulatory environment, and relevant policy issues.

-          Familiarity with clinical trial processes.

-          Understanding of newborn screening as a Public Health program is valued.

Skills & Competencies

-          Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

-          Ability to lead in a start-up environment, building partnerships and collaboration.

-          Strategic thinker with the ability to influence without direct authority.

-          Ability to work independently with a proactive approach within a fast-paced and evolving environment with organizational flexibility.

-          Flexibility to travel regularly (50-70%) for meetings and events within the US and limited international travel.

-          English proficiency required. Proficiency in Spanish/ Portuguese is a plus.

Education

-          Bachelor’s degree required and advanced degree in healthcare, public health, or health related field preferred.