Executive Director and Product Counsel

Strive to Bring a Profound Difference to our Patients

• Serve as lead counsel for Avidity’s late-stage pipeline programs approaching regulatory filings and potential commercialization.
• Provide legal advice and counseling on a broad set of healthcare, commercial and general corporate topics in support of preparations for potential future commercial product launches, including but not limited to pre-approval activities, marketing strategies, promotional tactics and materials, advertising campaigns and programs, disease awareness activities, collaborating with/supporting patient advocacy groups, healthcare professional (HCP) engagements, advisory boards and interactions with others in a position to influence healthcare decisions (e.g., payers, distributors, etc.).
• Serve as the primary legal support and contact for the Global Commercial and Global Medical Affairs teams for commercialization activities.
• Advise clients on issues related to advertising and promotion of pharmaceutical products (including FDA regulations, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, OIG Guidance, PhRMA Code, Sunshine Act, Food and Drug Cosmetic Act, Medicaid Best Price, etc.).
• Review and approve scientific, disease state and promotional campaigns as well as provide legal counsel on internal product review committee; and provide guidance regarding promotional and non-promotional activities.
• Advise on matters related to reimbursement activities, access services, patient support and advocacy, and assistance programs. Including assist and advise on government pricing matters. 
• Draft and negotiate a variety of third party contracts, including service agreements with consultants,  market research entities, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, group purchasing organizations and distributors.
• Provide ongoing legal advice to key stakeholders relating to Avidity’s Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide legal guidance to the Commercial and Medical Affairs organizations on daily activities and special projects (including, but not limited to, review of commercial, development & marketing strategies).
• Review and approve scientific, disease state and promotional campaigns as well as provide legal counsel on internal product review committee; and provide guidance regarding promotional and non-promotional activities.
• Review and approve grants, medical education program activities and charitable contributions.
• Address a broad array of legal matters to support the company's business, working closely with other members of the Legal team, as well as internal business clients across functions.
• Help develop, manage and implement Legal's policies, playbooks, templates and procedures.
• Mentor and/or lead indirect teams.
• Help manage and work directly with external counsel supporting business needs 

• Juris Doctor degree with exceptional academic credentials.
• Motivated to help make a difference in the lives of patients and families living with rare diseases.
• Prior drug launch experience for innovative first and/or best in class therapies, preferably in the rare disease space.
• 10+ years of relevant attorney experience, including training at a leading law firm’s life sciences practice and time spent in-house, ideally at a leading public biotech, pharmaceutical or life sciences company, in roles of increasing responsibility, and with experience as a product and regulatory lawyer.
• Must be admitted, active and in good standing with the California State Bar, or with another state bar and registered, or eligible to register, as in-house counsel with the State of California.  Preference given for San Diego based candidates.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment and in person in Avidity’s San Diego, California headquarters.
• Demonstrated excellent communication (oral and written), teamwork, presentation, training, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of curiosity, intelligence, ability to work independently while being a team player who brings a positive, "can do" attitude, who works collaboratively with other members of the Legal team and cross functionally.
• Be able to simultaneously manage workloads, multiple client demands and shifting priorities within a fast-paced, high-intensity and dynamic environment.
• Passion for the patient and to make a difference.
• Have impeccable professional ethics, integrity and judgment.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic; fast learner who can identify the core project challenges and expeditiously change course as required in a fast-paced organization.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to prioritize key workstreams, with a passion for results.
• Strong initiative and follow through are essential for this job.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills coupled with the ability to advocate for a position and engage in vigorous debate to reach the best decision.
• Be a collegial, hard-working, confident self-starter, able to build strong networks throughout the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions on incomplete information and in areas where a high degree of professional judgment is required
• Ability to effectively work with and manage a number of vendors supporting the Company’s legal efforts across the world. 

• The base salary range for this role is $295,300 - $326,400. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
• Avidity offers competitive compensation and benefits which includes the opportunity for annual and spot bonuses, stock options and RSUs, 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 four weeks of time off.
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Avidity employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.