Executive Director, Legal

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join ADARx Pharmaceuticals as an Executive Director of Legal to lead and manage all legal aspects of the company’s operations. This individual will play a critical leadership role in supporting corporate governance, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, regulatory matters, and risk management. The position reports to CEO of ADARx.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key legal advisor to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Lead the development and execution of legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide counsel on corporate governance, including board matters and SEC compliance.
• Collaborate on drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of contracts, including licensing agreements, clinical trial agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and collaboration agreements.
• Partner with R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation.
• Manage intellectual property strategy in coordination with outside counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee legal aspects of financing, partnerships, and business development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including anti-bribery, anti-kickback, and data privacy laws (e.g., FCPA, GDPR, HIPAA), FDA regulations, and employment law.
• Manage outside counsel and legal budget.
• Build and lead a high-performing legal team as the company grows. 

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited top tier law school and member in good standing of a U.S. state bar.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, with at least 5 years in the life sciences or biotech industry.
• In-house legal leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of FDA regulatory environment, clinical trials, and IP in biotech/pharma.
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance legal risk with business priorities.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills

Required Key Attributes:

• Must be able to work independently with supervision as needed.
• Must be collaborative, self-starting, and flexible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges.
• Understand project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.
• Given ADARx's location in San Diego, California, familiarity with state-specific labor laws and regulations is essential.
• Experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry would be beneficial.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday.
• Pay is commensurate with experience. 
• Equity-based compensation
• Performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts 
• Gym Membership
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

• United States (Required)
• Background Check
• As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete all post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check.

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the “Company” or “ADARx”) located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to turning cutting-edge science into life-saving therapeutics. ADARx has developed proprietary RNA targeting platforms and technology for silencing or editing target mRNA. ADARx has a growing pipeline of RNA targeting therapeutics for treating diseases across a range of therapeutic areas including genetic, cardiometabolic, complement-mediated diseases and central nervous system. 

ADARx currently has multiple active programs in development with the lead candidate in the clinic.  We are well-financed by a syndicate of highly regarded investors.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclosure Statement

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
• Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
• The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.