Rare Disease Specialist

Role Summary

The Rare Disease Specialist role will drive the commercial launch and sales initiatives of Soleno’s leading product candidate, DCCR, for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). You will engage with healthcare professionals at multiple points of contact and be a resource to caregivers and families managing the challenges of PWS, building trust and long-term relationships while educating on Soleno’s therapies. By understanding the unique physical, emotional, and psychological difficulties faced by PWS patients and their caregivers, you'll play a crucial role in supporting their care with empathy and dedication. Territory includes KS, MO, OK.

Responsibilities

• Engage a well-defined pool of caregivers and medical specialists to build market development, raise brand awareness, and execute a territory strategy/account plan with precision, ensuring product success through launch and beyond.
• Develop a post-launch territory strategy that is rooted in nurturing existing relationships and raising awareness.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure effective communication and address any issues that arise.
• Engage providers and drive awareness across multiple points of call, including to specialists in neurology, endocrinology, and psychiatry.
• Work to ensure that new and existing patients are identified and enrolled in treatment programs.
• Segment clinics and identify key shareholders within target institutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with HCPs, office staff, caregivers, and families. Gather insights and conduct post-call analysis to refine tactics based on the unique territory challenges and dynamics of the rare disease market.
• Demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence to adapt communication styles to fit the unique demands of HCPs and advocacy groups within the PWS community.
• Routinely monitor and report on territory-level market dynamics and trends, including prescriber opinion, competitive activity, and developments in the PWS landscape.
• Regularly report sales activities, performance metrics, and competitive insights to sales management.
• Proactively foster effective working relationships with internal/external stakeholders at Soleno Therapeutics and drive agreement/decisions from multiple parties.
• Collaborate across all commercial departments, including Patient Services, Medical Affairs, and others, ensuring alignment with external stakeholders in the rare disease space.
• Participate in the development of sales strategies to meet quarterly and annual targets by tailoring tactics to address specific territory challenges.
• Effectively prioritize and manage time, activities, and resources to engage with a network of healthcare professionals specializing in rare diseases.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations during all sales activities.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative culture that aligns with the overall sales organization.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of PWS and the healthcare landscape to support customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree preferred.
• A background in nursing, social work, nutrition (as a registered dietitian), or a related field with rare disease experience is a plus.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a proven track record in sales.
• Previous launch experience highly preferred.
• Prior experience in rare genetic disease or specialty sales is highly preferred.
• A drive to serve the PWS community and a demonstrated compassionate approach to patient care and provider awareness.
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and influence skills.
• Education and compliance/training background in regulatory areas is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 60% of the time.