Global Public Affairs Head, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and Cross Rare Diagnostic Initiatives

Role Summary

The Global Public Affairs Head for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and Cross Rare Diagnostic Initiatives leads global public affairs for the Rare Diseases franchise, focusing on AATD and cross rare diagnostic initiatives. They work closely with Global Brand Teams and Global Project Team to develop strategies and meet key business objectives, collaborate with Local PA teams to ensure relevance and alignment, and serve as deputy to the Head of Global Public Affairs Rare Diseases. Location: Cambridge, MA / Morristown, NJ / Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Drive implementation of a robust Global PA strategy to achieve the franchise vision in prioritized markets, establishing the company’s commitment to the alpha-1 patient community and preparing the environment for the launch and uptake of Efdoralprin alfa.
• Address unmet needs across the patient journey through scientific exchanges, evidence generation, community engagement, advocacy development, policy-shaping, and other high-impact public affairs initiatives to elevate care and improve patient access.
• Manage relationships with patient groups (e.g., Alpha-1 Foundation, Alpha-1 Europe Alliance) and key stakeholders to ensure the “voice of the patient” informs business strategy.
• Ensure external community input is incorporated into programs in development and lifecycle improvements.
• Cultivate strategic multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring needed solutions to patients in line with franchise priorities and overall company position.
• Understand trends likely to impact public affairs strategy; conduct policy analyses, monitor threats and opportunities, and communicate findings to franchise leadership.
• Serve as strategic advisor and support TA/franchise Heads with external engagements to advance business objectives and Sanofi’s reputation.
• Develop and execute external engagement strategies for senior rare disease franchise leadership to demonstrate leadership and advance business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners within GBT and GPT to input into the broader strategy for AATD/Efdoralprin alfa and build cross-functional support for tactical execution (e.g., scientific exchange, clinical trial awareness with PAGs, ad boards/roundtables, multi-stakeholder partnerships, evidence generation).
• Leverage resources across US and Global Corporate Affairs functions to secure alignment and champion one voice.
• Work with local PA teams to ensure global strategies reflect local realities and relevance of global tools.
• The candidate will lead in supporting selected markets in developing policy and advocacy plans to advance newborn screening, in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
• Join internal medical task forces and collaborate with the medical rare diagnostics team on strategic planning and tool development.
• Participate in multi-stakeholder partnerships and advance external engagement plans to achieve Sanofi’s rare diagnostic policy objectives.
• Lead initiatives contributing to a high-performing team, including planning for strategic engagements with affiliates and within the team (e.g., team meetings, best practice sharing, special projects, operations).

Qualifications

• Required: Selected candidate will have current or prior experience in market shaping to support product launches, developing policy and advocacy strategies, in addition to advanced responsibilities in an industry public affairs role.
• Required: A bachelor’s degree (accredited four-year college or university, e.g., political sciences, law, economics, medicine, or pharmacy).
• Preferred: Post-graduate degree in public health or health care related field / Doctorate degree or business (e.g., M.D., PhD, PharmD, MBA or equivalent).
• Required: A minimum of 12 years of combined professional experience across Public Affairs; Market Access; Policy or Government Affairs with policy-shaping responsibilities, or other relevant pharma experience.
• Required: Strong collaboration across Local and Global teams.
• Required: Proven experience developing and leading within a highly matrixed and pressured environment.
• Preferred: Previous experience partnering with cross-functional teams (e.g., Medical, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Communications).

Skills

• Advanced technical, functional, transversal skills: business acumen, crisis management, foster innovation, healthcare policies, launch strategy, narrative writing, partnership development, policy development, stakeholder relationship management, strategic insights, strategy development
• Advanced leadership skills: influencing others, result-oriented, strategic thinking
• Strong ability to prioritize (projects, conferences) in alignment with business leaders to secure public affairs impact
• Take ownership, rally and lead the cross-functional team on public affairs issues
• Able to move fast with a focus on both strategy and execution (leader and doer)
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated understanding of the strategic role of PA in driving business success
• Solid track record in translating strategy to action and impact: developing high impact PA strategies, deploying PA tools, including with affiliates, and tactics to meet business objectives
• Team player, skilled in collaboration and able to work cross-functionally in a matrix
• Skilled at developing and cultivating relationships with patient organizations and other strategic partners
• Strong knowledge of stakeholder groups, including multi-lateral institutions, trade associations, patient organizations
• Knowledge of the healthcare industry and appreciation of critical trends shaping the operating landscape
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams of experts and senior leaders in a highly matrixed organization
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable in ambiguous settings and in fast-paced environments

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university (required).

Additional Requirements

• Up to 30% travel may be required.