Some opportunities happen only once in a lifetime - like a job where you have the chance to change lives. At Alexion, people living with rare and devastating diseases are our Guiding Star. We are driven to continuously innovate and create meaningful value in all we do to help patients and families fully live their best lives. We value the uniqueness and diversity of our employees and recognize that nurturing the diverse perspectives and strengths of our people translates into innovative breakthroughs for patients.

This is what you will do:

The Head Global Patient Advocacy will be responsible leading a global vision for the patient advocacy organization, developing the Alexion advocacy strategy. This individual will lead building and enhancing strategic alliances with key national and international stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, rare/ultra-rare disease-oriented organizations and other relevant stakeholders in response to patient needs and in support of Alexion’s global patient advocacy objectives and related strategic goals. In this role, the Head GPA manages country level patient advocacy direct reports in different markets and will be responsible building a high performing team. This individual will lead the effort to develop, implement, coordinate and communicate critical partnerships and programs related to Alexion’s commitment to patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases. This individual will be responsible for managing the US/Canada patient advocacy grants and sponsorship budget and aligning resources across the regions. The Head Global Patient Advocacy will drive strategy across markets, proactively solve emerging issues while working in matrix teams to develop solution-focused strategies based on the organization’s patient centric ambition, market opportunities and mission. This individual will help advance Alexion’s patient centric mission internally and externally while bringing critical patient insights into the organization to inform decision making. This role will be responsible for helping create and implement the shared vision and consistent best practices that are aligned with our mission, vision, strategic plan, and priorities across the enterprise that will positively impact the patient experience and outcomes. Successful candidates also will be responsible for regularly communicating executive level presentations and updates to internal stakeholders, and for representing the company’s efforts externally.

You will be responsible for:

• As a key member of the Patient Experience leadership team the Head GPA will be responsible for driving Alexion’s efforts to establish strong relationships with Patient Advocacy stakeholders as well as advancing our patient advocacy team’s efforts relating to Alexion’s medical/ scientific, regulatory and policy objectives with these stakeholders
• Leading and managing US, and Canada Patient Advocacy team (regional responsibility subject to change) and developing strong leaders
• Representing Patient Advocacy on prioritized pipeline R&D programs and executing frameworks to enable patient insights to inform strategic decisions
• Driving successful stakeholder working teams, proactively identify emerging issues, and effectively communicate Alexion’s positions on relevant public health, economic, clinical, and political issues to key non-government stakeholders
• Working cross functionally with close coordination with Medical, Commercial, and other internal groups in developing and implementing strategies to achieve Alexion’s patient centricity business objectives worldwide and elevate the patient voice
• Actively helping position Alexion as a leading biotechnology company and progressive thought leader that can be a valuable resource for patient advocacy organizations
• Working closely with Therapeutic Area leaders of Alexion’s Medical Affairs, ViSION, Development and Commercial organization, as well as Country and Regional Managers, in support of local strategies and objectives, and will coordinate with critical internal partners, including Global Corporate Communications, Commercial, Regulatory and Legal
• Managing global Patient Advocacy budget, business planning and grants and sponsorship funding
• Drive strategy for patient advisory boards and insights sessions in close collaboration with cross functional business partners
• Identifying and developing strong relationships with critical patient advocacy organization stakeholders to advance common interests relating to rare/ultra-rare disease research and access; and collaborate on development of joint activities and events
• Building a high performing team, inspiring and motivating team members
• Maintaining and enhancing relationships with existing partners, such as NORD, Global Genes, and other patient advocacy and relevant allied stakeholder organizations
• Leading and coordinating a global strategic vision for patient advocacy organization partnership development, including efforts in support of local strategies and objectives in context of global priorities.
• Prioritizing tasks, and organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining an understanding of national and global perspectives
• Communicating effectively and partner directly with internal customers and cross-functional teams and executive presence
• Coordinating projects with external consultants as needed or appropriate
• Demonstrating ability to take initiative and consistently deliver high-quality, patient centric solutions

You will need to have:

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience in industry positions or in patient advocacy organizations
• Experience managing and leading teams
• Proven track record of successful interactions with national, regional and local patient’s advocacy organizations around health-related issues especially in the US
• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory compliance environment impacting the pharma/bio industry
• Passion for patients and research
• Domestic and international travel required.
• Strong leadership skills and sense of teamwork
• Ability to work effectively in and across the management structure, and to collaborate and contribute to highly functioning and geographically diffuse team
• Strong planning and organization skills with the ability to set priorities effectively and efficiently, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
• Excellent analytical and strategic planning abilities; strong negotiation skills
• Excellent communications and presentation skills; and ability to write well and to present information to internal and external audiences in a clear and concise manner
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours

We would prefer for you to have:

• A University degree is required; a graduate degree is strongly preferred

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Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialization of life-changing medicines. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries. Further information about Alexion can be found at: www.alexion.com.

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion has taken critical steps to protect colleagues, loved ones, and patients from COVID-19 and its variants. All US-based employees must comply with Alexion's COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Alexion provides exceptions based on applicable state law as well as reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding a legally required exemption or accommodation, please contact accommodations@Alexion.com. Alexion participates in E-Verify.

As a leading employer in our industry, Alexion offers a highly competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include group medical, vision and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, and much more.

AstraZeneca completed its acquisition of Alexion, marking the creation of Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. If you're interested in career opportunities with AstraZeneca, click here.