Senior Director, Patient Advocacy & Policy

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.

This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Senior Director of Patient Advocacy & Policy to lead our engagement with the patient community and shape policy priorities that support Atrium’s mission. This individual will serve as the key interface between the company and patient advocacy organizations, ensuring the patient voice is embedded across our business and reflected in decision‑making, strategy, and communication.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a hands-on environment, brings deep experience developing and executing patient advocacy engagement strategies in a biotech environment, excels in collaborative, matrixed organizations, and is eager to grow alongside a rapidly evolving company. Experience and relationships in the rare disease and / or cardiovascular space are a strong plus.

This position reports to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and works cross‑functionally across Corporate Affairs, R&D, and Program Office teams.

Job Responsibilities: 

Patient Advocacy Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive patient advocacy strategy aligned with Atrium’s mission, pipeline, and business objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all patient advocacy groups, building strong, trusted, and enduring relationships.
• Translate the needs and perspectives of patient communities into meaningful insights for internal teams.
• Ensure the patient voice is consistently integrated into clinical development, regulatory affairs policy, communications, and programs.
• Lead patient-centric initiatives and engagements, including patient councils, listening sessions, and educational programs.
• Continuously assess and refresh the advocacy landscape, maintaining regular engagement to align on short- and long-term priorities and initiatives.
• Translate patient and community insights into actionable recommendations that inform internal strategy and decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Operate effectively within a matrixed environment, collaborating across multiple teams to embed patient insights into decision-making.
• Provide strategic counsel to internal partners to ensure alignment between corporate priorities and patient community needs.
• Partner with corporate affairs, communications, and policy teams to ensure consistency in messaging, outreach, and advocacy engagements.
• Foster collaboration and open dialogue across teams to proactively identify solutions and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Policy Strategy & Engagement

• Support development of Atrium’s public health policy priorities, focusing on patient access, health equity, and disease-area issues.
• In collaboration with external resources, identify emerging legislative, regulatory, and policy trends that may impact the patient community or Atrium’s business.
• Engage with policymakers, coalitions, and advocacy organizations to help shape the external policy environment.
• Represent Atrium in external policy forums, coalitions, and advocacy network discussions when appropriate.
• Monitor and assess legislative and regulatory trends impacting patient communities and the organization.

Organizational Impact

• Champion a culture of patient-centricity, building organizational understanding of patient experiences and needs.
• Partner with internal leaders to inform strategy, shape narratives, and ensure transparency and alignment with the patient community.
• Manage multiple initiatives and priorities with clarity, thoughtfulness, and strong project management skills.
• Demonstrate a solutions-oriented mindset in a dynamic environment, supporting teams through change.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in full compliance with company policies, industry standards, and applicable laws.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• 10–15 years of experience in patient advocacy, public policy, or related roles within small to mid-size biotech organizations.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with patient advocacy groups; existing relationships in the rare disease and/or cardiovascular community are a plus.
• Experience connecting patient advocacy efforts with policy-shaping initiatives; understanding of the U.S. health policy environment preferred.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with experience operating in highly matrixed teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and executive presence skills; able to represent Atrium with credibility and empathy.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A collaborative, low-ego team player who is eager to grow with a mission-driven company.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public health, public policy, communications, or related field a plus.
• Attend meetings in San Diego as needed; travel approximately 30-40% of the time.

What We Provide: 

• The base salary range for this role is $250,000 -$290,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options, 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 unlimited of time off including spring, summer & winter breaks
• Opportunity to meaningfully shape Atrium’s patient and policy engagement strategy.
• A mission-driven culture focused on improving patient outcomes.
• Flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the U.S.