Executive Director, Government Affairs & Policy

Profoundly Improve People’s lives by Revolutionizing the Delivery of RNA Therapeutics

At Avidity Biosciences, we are passionate about the impact of every employee in realizing our vision of improving people’s lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics. Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. If you are a committed, solution-oriented thinker, join us in making a difference and become part of our growing culture that is integrated, collaborative, agile and focused on the needs of patients.

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs). Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare muscle diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline, including programs in cardiology and immunology through internal discovery efforts and key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline, and people, please visit www.aviditybiosciences.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and X .

The Opportunity

The Executive Director, Government Affairs & Policy will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s government relations and policy strategy to advance the organization’s mission of bringing innovative therapies to patients with rare diseases. This leader, in collaboration with the SVP, Corporate Affairs, will serve as a liaison with policymakers and trade associations at the Federal and State level, ensuring Avidity’s voice is heard in legislative and regulatory discussions.

What You Will Contribute

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive federal and state government affairs strategies aligned with corporate objectives and advise senior leadership on policy trends, legislative and regulatory developments, and their potential impact on the rare disease and biotech ecosystem.
• Policy Development & Advocacy: At the Federal and State levels, lead company efforts to shape health policy, reimbursement frameworks, and regulatory initiatives relevant to rare disease innovation and patient access. Draft position papers, testimony, and policy briefs to articulate the company’s views to key stakeholders. Engage directly with legislators, regulatory agencies, and executive branch officials to advance policy priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with trade associations, and coalitions to align policy goals and amplify the rare disease community’s voice. Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and public hearings.
• Internal Collaboration: Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, and Corporate Affairs to ensure alignment of policy strategy with business objectives.
  
  

What We Seek

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Life Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree (JD, MPP, MPH, or MBA) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in government affairs, policy, or related roles, with at least 7 years in the biopharmaceutical or healthcare sector.
• A proven track record of Federal and State policy engagement, preferably with rare disease, orphan drug, or biotech focus.
• Experience working in or with Capitol Hill, federal agencies (e.g., FDA, CMS, NIH), and state legislatures.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly matrixed, fast-paced commercial biotech within an integrated Corporate Affairs team.
• Deep understanding of healthcare policy, regulatory frameworks, and reimbursement landscapes.
• Strong bipartisan relationships and ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to translate scientific and technical concepts into compelling policy narratives.
• Strategic thinker with strong negotiation, advocacy, and coalition-building skills.
  
  

Key Attributes for Success

• Passion for improving patient outcomes in rare diseases.
• Ability to influence at the highest levels of government and industry.
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited for a dynamic, mid-size biotech company.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire trust and build consensus.
• High level of integrity, judgment, and emotional intelligence.
  
  

What We Will Provide to You:

• The base salary range for this role is $285,000 - $315,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Avidity offers competitive compensation and benefits, including the opportunity for annual and spot bonuses, stock options, and RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, and LTD and four weeks of time off.
• A commitment to learning and development, including a variety of internal programming developed by and for Avidity employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.
  
  

Additional Details

• Title: Executive Director, Government Affairs & Policy
• Location: Remote
• Position Type: Full time / Exempt
• Department: Government Affairs
• ID: 6801-Q125-1