The Grassroots Patient Advocacy Associate Director is responsible for supporting the company’s grassroots pat i ent advocacy strategy within the designated region. This position will work closely with cross-functional teams , including communications, policy, and medical affairs. This role will help lead the company’s ongoing efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships and collaborations to support the needs of patients and advance our company’s goals. This role will be responsible for grassroots campaign execution across disease areas.

Candidate must reside in the Western region of the US .

Key Duties & Responsibilities Contributes to developing, coordinating, and leading the company's state/regional patient advocacy strategy , including tactical implementation

Collaborates with communications, policy, medical affairs, and marketing departments to ensure that state public policy goals are aligned to meet company objectives and most effectively serve the needs of patients

Develops and leverages high-level relationships with patient advocacy groups at state and local levels to achieve Vertex goals, bring value to patients , and enhance the company's standing and reputation

Serves as a liaison between the patient community and Vertex

Collaborates with and facilitates advocacy coalitions for specific public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and disease-specific policy issues

In partnership with cross-functional partners, integrate Vertex's state/regional patient advocacy strategy and identify additional opportunities to increase rare disease awareness and disease burden awareness

Provides input into the development and resource prioritization for the company's annual patient advocacy plan

Identifies and pursues additional opportunities to advance the company's business objectives

Knowledge & Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with members of advocacy groups , government , and community leaders

Demonstrated outstanding strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills

Experience in patient advocacy, market access, government affairs/relations, public health policy , campaign work , or coalition building.

Significant knowledge and appreciation of the complexities of the drug development process and regulatory requirements

Strong understanding of the patient and caregiver experience in rare diseases, including diagnosis, treatment, and treatment options preferred

Knowledge of the patient advocacy community/individuals

Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact and influence all levels of business

Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment , along with demonstrated integrity on the job

Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized , and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously

Demonstrated ability to be creative and develop innovative solution

Pharmaceutical sector or healthcare sector experience

Field Travel required 50 %

Requirements: Bachelor's degree required

Typically requires 8 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Must reside in California

Pay Range$172,000 –$258,000 USD annually