Executive Director, Head of Search & Evaluation, Business Development

Role Summary

For the Executive Director, Head of Search & Evaluation role, we are seeking an experienced business development leader with deep scientific expertise to source and evaluate external innovation and build strong scientific networks. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an extensive understanding of broad research, development, and regulatory processes, and will identify, assess, and advocate innovative technologies and assets. This role requires leading due diligence, conducting landscape analyses, engaging with potential partners, and supporting transactional activities. Location: Cambridge, MA (hybrid).

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership and scientific acumen while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Commercial, Finance, and BD Transactions to identify and assess external innovation for Alnylam governance endorsement, including leading scientific evaluations and due diligence in support of BD opportunity review, prioritization, and decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, venture capitalists, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as thought partner to facilitate and support formulation of BD strategies to drive toward enterprise goals and objectives while sourcing and evaluating external innovation.
• Communicate effectively both internally across a matrix organization and externally with potential partners by articulating the vision, purpose, and expectations of the BD initiatives to ensure clarity and alignment.
• As part of the BD Leadership Team, manage or coach a team of BD professionals and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• At least 10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical BD, consulting, venture capital, or investment banking.
• Extensive experience in sourcing external innovation and leading scientific due diligence to support the execution of complex and high-value transactions. Deal sheet specifics required.
• Deep understanding of the drug development processes from discovery to regulatory approval and knowledge of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, including market trends, regulatory environment, and their business impact.
• Demonstrated ability to simplify complex ideas / concepts, synthesize and summarize a complex set of facts and opportunities within the broader strategic context as well as proven track record to exert influence, facilitate candid dialogue find solutions and gain alignment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects efficiently with a high degree of independence and purposed urgency.
• Strong executive presence, leadership, and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Education

• An advanced degree in the biomedical field such as MD, PhD, and PharmD required.