What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Strategic Relations (Strategic Partnership, Patient Advocacy, Policy Makers and Industry Relations) position at MannKind Corporation?
About MannKind
MannKind Corporation focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices to address serious unmet medical needs for those living with endocrine and orphan lung diseases. We are committed to using our formulation capabilities and device engineering prowess to lessen the burden of diseases such as diabetes, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our signature technologies – dry-powder formulations and inhalation devices – offer rapid and convenient delivery of medicines to the deep lung where they can exert an effect locally or enter the systemic circulation, depending on the target indication. With a passionate team of Mannitarians collaborating nationwide, we are on a mission to give people control of their health and the freedom to live life. Please visit mannkindcorp.com to learn more.
About The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Director of Strategic Relations (Strategic Partnership, Patient Advocacy, Policy Makers and Industry Relations). This Director will be responsible for leading external strategic partnerships, patient advocacy and policy relations, including but not limited to external congresses and professional thought leader and KOL relationships (in partnership with Medical Affairs) as appropriate and compliant. Lastly, ensuring alignment with internal corporate communications and business objectives.
Reporting to the President of the Endocrine Business Unit (EBU), this individual will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive engagement, policy awareness, and patient-centered initiatives. The Director of Patient Advocacy will also lead government affairs initiatives and manage one direct report.
Key Responsibilities
Advocacy & Outreach Leadership
MannKind Corporation focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices to address serious unmet medical needs for those living with endocrine and orphan lung diseases. We are committed to using our formulation capabilities and device engineering prowess to lessen the burden of diseases such as diabetes, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our signature technologies – dry-powder formulations and inhalation devices – offer rapid and convenient delivery of medicines to the deep lung where they can exert an effect locally or enter the systemic circulation, depending on the target indication. With a passionate team of Mannitarians collaborating nationwide, we are on a mission to give people control of their health and the freedom to live life. Please visit mannkindcorp.com to learn more.
About The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Director of Strategic Relations (Strategic Partnership, Patient Advocacy, Policy Makers and Industry Relations). This Director will be responsible for leading external strategic partnerships, patient advocacy and policy relations, including but not limited to external congresses and professional thought leader and KOL relationships (in partnership with Medical Affairs) as appropriate and compliant. Lastly, ensuring alignment with internal corporate communications and business objectives.
Reporting to the President of the Endocrine Business Unit (EBU), this individual will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive engagement, policy awareness, and patient-centered initiatives. The Director of Patient Advocacy will also lead government affairs initiatives and manage one direct report.
Key Responsibilities
Advocacy & Outreach Leadership
- Develop and execute an external engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with patient advocacy organizations, policymakers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs).
- Establish and oversee all third-party relationships, including national and regional patient groups, professional associations, and advocacy leaders in the endocrine space.
- Collaborate with the Endocrine Business Unit leadership team to ensure patient-centered strategies align with MannKind’s broader corporate objectives.
- Ensure internal alignment with Corporate Communications to maintain consistent messaging across all advocacy efforts.
- Oversee the company's involvement in patient-focused events, conferences, and summits, establishing MannKind as a reliable entity within the patient advocacy field.
- Lead external communications efforts for patient advocacy and outreach, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging and regulatory guidelines.
- Partner with internal teams (Corporate Communications, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Commercial) to integrate patient insights into corporate initiatives.
- Create data-driven reports to measure the impact of advocacy initiatives and provide insights for executive decision-making.
- Manage and mentor one direct report, fostering professional growth and ensuring team objectives are met.
- Establish KPIs and metrics to evaluate the success of advocacy programs and outreach efforts.
- Act as a thought leader, staying ahead of industry trends in patient engagement and policy advocacy.
- Monitor healthcare policy developments impacting access and patient engagement, providing strategic recommendations to leadership.
- Support public policy initiatives that align with MannKind’s mission, collaborating with government affairs teams on key legislative and regulatory priorities.
- Develop educational materials and resources to help patient organizations and advocates understand healthcare policy changes.
- Represent MannKind in coalitions, working groups, and legislative discussions to support patient-first policies.
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in Public Policy, Communications, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
- 10-15 years of experience in patient advocacy, public affairs, policy relations, or strategic communications within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
- Strong understanding of patient advocacy landscapes, healthcare policy, and regulatory considerations.
- Proven experience in building relationships with patient organizations, policymakers, and healthcare leaders.
- Expertise in external communications and messaging within a regulated industry.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and align advocacy efforts with corporate and business unit priorities.
- Experience managing third-party relationships, including advocacy groups, KOLs, and government stakeholders.
- Leadership experience, including direct team management and cross-functional collaboration.
- High-visibility role driving patient advocacy and external engagement strategies.
- Direct impact on patient access, policy, and corporate reputation in the endocrine space.
- Opportunity to collaborate with executive leadership, government affairs, and commercial teams.
- Mission-driven culture focused on delivering innovative solutions to patients.
