BIO is the premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders, and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. BIO members range from biotech start-ups to some of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies – all united by the same goal: to develop medical and scientific breakthroughs that prevent and fight disease, restore health, and improve patients’ lives. BIO also organizes the BIO International Convention and a series of annual conferences that drive partnerships, investment, and progress within the sector.

The Director of Patient Advocacy will support the team’s ability to build and maintain ethical, mutual and enduring partnerships with patient advocacy stakeholders to advance public policy in support of BIO’s vision and mission. This position will execute on BIO’s patient advocacy outreach under the supervision of the Senior Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Enable BIO to effectively develop and maintain strong relationships with policy-focused patient organizations.
• Engage patient advocacy organizations and relevant coalitions to implement tailored engagement strategies on BIO’s key policy priorities, at the federal and state level.
• Maintain consistent relationships with patient advocacy organizations by meeting with advocates regularly either one-on-one or in small-group discussions. This is critical to gaining their trust and understanding their organizational priorities while sharing BIO’s perspectives and insights as appropriate
• Collaborate with BIO’s federal and state government affairs and policy team to ensure stakeholder engagement complements lobbying efforts
• Plan and execute targeted policy briefings for patient advocacy organizations and our members on key federal and state policy issues.
• Partner with the BIO Communications team to strategically feature our patient advocacy partners via BIO-owned channels as appropriate.
• When warranted and appropriate, establish and/or manage formal and informal coalitions of patient advocates around strategically important policy priorities.
• Support briefings for BIO leadership on stakeholder perspectives regarding priority policy issues
• Coordinate across BIO-internal teams to ensure patient advocacy is delivering policy messaging consistent with BIO’s.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health science, biology or related fields of study, public policy or public administration or a related field required.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in biopharmaceutical-related outreach, advocacy, or policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of biopharmaceutical related public policy issues, drug pricing and access, and payer dynamics.
• Experience working closely with a biopharmaceutical company, trade association, or public affairs firm working on biopharmaceutical issues.
• Knowledgeable in federal and state legislative and reimbursement policies, including Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicaid.
• Experience working for a trade association, biopharmaceutical company or on the Hill is preferred
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic external relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public communication skills.
• High learning agility.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across the political spectrum.
• Strong team orientation with a proactive, supportive approach to team success.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/Standing: Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods (sitting at a desk, standing at a counter).
• Reaching: Reaching for items on shelves or in cabinets.
• Lifting/Carrying: Moving boxes, files, or other office equipment up to 15 pounds.
• Using Hands/Fingers: Operating a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Vision: Close vision for computer work and detailed tasks.
• Fine Motor Skills: Using a mouse, keyboard, and other small office tools.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel locally or nationally 10% as job duties require

Work Environment

• Hybrid In Office- Tuesday-Thursday

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and responsibilities can be expected to evolve over time to meet changing business needs. The employee may be required to perform other related duties to meet these needs. While BIO’s intent is always to be clear and transparent about the expectations of this role, this job description may be reviewed and updated accordingly with or without notice. BIO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.