Executive Director, Government Affairs
About The Position
Solid Biosciences is a precision genetic medicine company focused on advancing a portfolio of gene therapy candidates targeting rare neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), TNNT2-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, BAG3-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, and additional fatal, genetic cardiac diseases. We are advancing a diverse pipeline and delivery platform in the pursuit of uniting experts in science, technology, disease management, and care. Patient-focused and founded by those directly impacted by Duchenne, Solid’s mission is to improve the daily lives of patients living with devastating rare diseases. We are seeking an Executive Director of Government Affairs to lead Solid’s global government engagement and public policy strategy, with a primary focus on the United States. This role is critical to advancing a favorable policy, regulatory, and reimbursement environment for Solid’s neuromuscular and cardiac gene therapies across federal and state stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating complex healthcare policy issues—including FDA regulation, CMS reimbursement, Medicaid policy, and innovative payment models—and has a strong track record of engagement with policymakers, regulators, and patient advocacy communities. This role will be based in Solid’s Corporate Headquarters located in Hood Park in Charlestown, MA and will work in a hybrid capacity.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPH, MPP, PhD) strongly preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory strategy within biotech, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare.
- Specific experience in gene therapy with a focus on neuromuscular and cardiac disease
- Demonstrated expertise in U.S. healthcare policy, particularly FDA regulation and CMS reimbursement.
- Experience working with or influencing policy related to rare diseases, advanced therapies, or biologics.
- Strong network across federal agencies, Congress, and healthcare policy stakeholders.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth biotech environment.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience supporting gene therapy, cell therapy, or other advanced therapeutic platforms.
- Prior experience in a startup or pre-commercial biotech setting.
- Experience with global policy engagement (EU, UK, or other key markets).
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy aligned with company objectives, pipeline priorities, and commercialization timelines.
- Anticipate and influence policy developments impacting gene therapy, rare diseases, biologics regulation, pricing, reimbursement, and patient access.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team on legislative, regulatory, and political risks and opportunities.
- Lead engagement with U.S. federal agencies and bodies, including FDA, CMS, HHS, NIH, and relevant Congressional committees.
- Shape and advance policy positions related to: Accelerated approval and regulatory flexibility for rare diseases Coverage, coding, and payment pathways for one-time gene therapies Medicaid and state-level access policies Innovative value-based and outcomes-based payment models
- Oversee state-level government affairs strategy, particularly for Medicaid-heavy rare disease populations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with: Policymakers and key staff Patient advocacy organizations Industry trade associations (e.g., BIO, PhRMA) Think tanks and policy influencers
- Partner closely with patient advocacy groups to ensure patient-centric policy positions and ethical engagement.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively assess impact on R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
- Lead issue management and response strategies related to pricing, access, ethics, and public scrutiny of gene therapies.
- Prepare executive briefings, policy position papers, and external communications in collaboration with Legal and Communications teams.
- Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned messaging and compliant engagement.
- Ensure government affairs activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
Benefits
- Competitive Health and Dental programs with flexible plan offerings, including FSA and HSA programs
- 401(k) program participation with competitive company matched contributions
- Eligibility to participate in Solid’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Mobile phone subsidy for eligible employees
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Vision Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Employee Discount Program on Travel, Entertainment, and Services
- Daily Subsidized Lunch Delivery (onsite @ Hood Park)
- Free Onsite Full-Service Gym (onsite @ Hood Park)
- Employee Parking (onsite @ Hood Park)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
