Director, Government Affairs
Ardelyx, Inc.
June 24, 2026
Remote friendly (Waltham, MA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Position Summary:
Director of Government Affairs leading and executing Ardelyx’s government affairs strategy at the state and federal levels in alignment with gastrointestinal and renal business leaders. Serves as a key advisor on public policy and drives engagement with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Lead state government engagement across the Northeast (focus on federal delegation, local government, and Massachusetts stakeholders) on key policy issues
- Develop and implement strategies/tactics using direct lobbying and legislative coalition-building
- Manage external consultants and advocacy partners to ensure compliant, effective legislative and stakeholder engagement
- Develop and execute strategies to ensure patient access to medicines in collaboration with Market Access and Marketing
- Collaborate with Sr. Directors of Patient Advocacy on patient awareness initiatives with government stakeholders
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Communications, Policy, and Medical Affairs to align efforts to company objectives
- Work with commercial teams on patient-focused issues including disease awareness, pricing and access, and patient support
- Provide strategic input into the annual government affairs plan development and resourcing
- Identify and pursue additional opportunities to advance business objectives
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years’ experience in government affairs, patient advocacy, public health policy, communications, or related fields (pharmaceutical industry experience preferred)
- Demonstrated strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills
- Pharmaceutical sector/therapeutic area experience preferred
- Working knowledge of drug development process and regulatory requirements
- Proven teamwork/collaboration and ability to interact with and influence all business levels
- Passion for patient centricity and public health
- Ability to travel up to 35%
Benefits:
- Anticipated base pay range: $221,000–$270,000; bonus and equity may be included (eligibility required)
- 401(k) with employer match; 12 weeks paid parental leave; up to 12 weeks living organ/bone marrow leave; health plans; life insurance/disability; flexible time off; annual Winter Holiday shut down; at least 11 paid holidays
Director of Government Affairs leading and executing Ardelyx’s government affairs strategy at the state and federal levels in alignment with gastrointestinal and renal business leaders. Serves as a key advisor on public policy and drives engagement with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Lead state government engagement across the Northeast (focus on federal delegation, local government, and Massachusetts stakeholders) on key policy issues
- Develop and implement strategies/tactics using direct lobbying and legislative coalition-building
- Manage external consultants and advocacy partners to ensure compliant, effective legislative and stakeholder engagement
- Develop and execute strategies to ensure patient access to medicines in collaboration with Market Access and Marketing
- Collaborate with Sr. Directors of Patient Advocacy on patient awareness initiatives with government stakeholders
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Communications, Policy, and Medical Affairs to align efforts to company objectives
- Work with commercial teams on patient-focused issues including disease awareness, pricing and access, and patient support
- Provide strategic input into the annual government affairs plan development and resourcing
- Identify and pursue additional opportunities to advance business objectives
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years’ experience in government affairs, patient advocacy, public health policy, communications, or related fields (pharmaceutical industry experience preferred)
- Demonstrated strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills
- Pharmaceutical sector/therapeutic area experience preferred
- Working knowledge of drug development process and regulatory requirements
- Proven teamwork/collaboration and ability to interact with and influence all business levels
- Passion for patient centricity and public health
- Ability to travel up to 35%
Benefits:
- Anticipated base pay range: $221,000–$270,000; bonus and equity may be included (eligibility required)
- 401(k) with employer match; 12 weeks paid parental leave; up to 12 weeks living organ/bone marrow leave; health plans; life insurance/disability; flexible time off; annual Winter Holiday shut down; at least 11 paid holidays