Executive Director, Government Affairs at Solid Biosciences – Charlestown, Massachusetts

Executive Director, Government Affairs – Solid Biosciences

Solid Biosciences is a precision genetic medicine company focused on advancing a portfolio of gene therapy candidates targeting rare neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), TNNT2-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, BAG3-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, and additional fatal, genetic cardiac diseases. We are advancing a diverse pipeline and delivery platform in the pursuit of uniting experts in science, technology, disease management, and care.

Patient-focused and founded by those directly impacted by Duchenne, Solid’s mission is to improve the daily lives of patients living with devastating rare diseases.

We are seeking an Executive Director of Government Affairs to lead Solid’s global government engagement and public policy strategy, with a primary focus on the United States. This role is critical to advancing a favorable policy, regulatory, and reimbursement environment for Solid’s neuromuscular and cardiac gene therapies across federal and state stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating complex healthcare policy issues—including FDA regulation, CMS reimbursement, Medicaid policy, and innovative payment models—and has a strong track record of engagement with policymakers, regulators, and patient advocacy communities.

This role will be based in Solid’s Corporate Headquarters located in Hood Park in Charlestown, MA and will work in a hybrid capacity.

Key Position Responsibilities

• Government & Policy Strategy
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy aligned with company objectives, pipeline priorities, and commercialization timelines.
  • Anticipate and influence policy developments impacting gene therapy, rare diseases, biologics regulation, pricing, reimbursement, and patient access.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team on legislative, regulatory, and political risks and opportunities.
• Federal & State Engagement
  • Lead engagement with U.S. federal agencies and bodies, including FDA, CMS, HHS, NIH, and relevant Congressional committees.
  • Shape and advance policy positions related to:
    • Accelerated approval and regulatory flexibility for rare diseases
    • Coverage, coding, and payment pathways for one-time gene therapies
    • Medicaid and state-level access policies
    • Innovative value-based and outcomes-based payment models
  • Oversee state-level government affairs strategy, particularly for Medicaid-heavy rare disease populations.
• Advocacy & External Partnerships
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with:
    • Policymakers and key staff
    • Patient advocacy organizations
    • Industry trade associations (e.g., BIO, PhRMA)
    • Think tanks and policy influencers
  • Partner closely with patient advocacy groups to ensure patient-centric policy positions and ethical engagement.
• Policy Intelligence & Issue Management
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively assess impact on R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
  • Lead issue management and response strategies related to pricing, access, ethics, and public scrutiny of gene therapies.
  • Prepare executive briefings, policy position papers, and external communications in collaboration with Legal and Communications teams.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned messaging and compliant engagement.
  • Ensure government affairs activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPH, MPP, PhD) strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory strategy within biotech, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare.
• Specific experience in gene therapy with a focus on neuromuscular and cardiac disease
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. healthcare policy, particularly FDA regulation and CMS reimbursement.
• Experience working with or influencing policy related to rare diseases, advanced therapies, or biologics.
• Strong network across federal agencies, Congress, and healthcare policy stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth biotech environment.

Preferred

• Direct experience supporting gene therapy, cell therapy, or other advanced therapeutic platforms.
• Prior experience in a startup or pre-commercial biotech setting.
• Experience with global policy engagement (EU, UK, or other key markets).

Key Position Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong policy judgment
• Executive presence and credibility with senior stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative, mission-driven leadership style
• High ethical standards and compliance mindset

Compensation

The base compensation range for this role is: $284,503 - $321,220.

Base salary offered is determined through an internal analysis utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short-term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward individual performance and align incentives to Solid’s long term company performance.

Benefits and Solid Advantages

At Solid Biosciences we offer a highly competitive total rewards and benefits package, intended to support all aspects of our employees’ lives and well-being. Additionally, for those employees working onsite at our Hood Park Headquarters, we offer a variety of onsite resources to support those working in our offices.