Vice President, Public Policy

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.
 
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

The Vice President, Public Policy is responsible for leading Kailera's public policy strategy and analysis, providing executive leadership with insights into the legislative, regulatory, reimbursement and healthcare policy developments that influence the company's business and long-term growth strategy. Reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, this leader will serve as the company's internal expert on healthcare policy, translating complex policy issues into actionable business recommendations.

This role will work cross-functionally with Market Access, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Commercial, Legal, Investor Relations, and Communications to assess the implications of evolving healthcare policies across the product lifecycle. The Vice President will help shape the company's policy positions, support enterprise decision-making, and ensure Kailera is prepared to navigate an increasingly dynamic policy environment as it advances a differentiated obesity portfolio.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week)

Responsibilities:

• Lead the company's analysis of federal, state, and international healthcare policy developments that may impact Kailera's business, pipeline and commercial strategy
• Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory proposals affecting obesity treatment, pharmaceutical innovation, reimbursement, pricing, market access, and healthcare delivery
• Analyze evolving reimbursement policies across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers, identifying implications for patient access, coverage, and long-term business strategy
• Serve as the company's subject matter expert on healthcare policy issues, including drug pricing reform, the Inflation Reduction Act, Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing proposals, government pricing programs, international reference pricing, tariff policies, and other emerging policy initiatives
• Monitor FDA and broader regulatory policy developments affecting obesity therapies, including clinical development, manufacturing, compounded medicines, telehealth prescribing, and evolving regulatory frameworks
• Develop strategic analyses, policy scenarios, and risk assessments to support enterprise planning and executive decision-making
• Prepare policy briefings, presentations, and recommendations for the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors
• Partner closely with Market Access to anticipate reimbursement trends and evaluate policy changes that could influence commercialization strategies
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Commercial, and Legal to ensure policy considerations are incorporated into business planning
• Work in partnership with Government Affairs to inform advocacy priorities and support engagement with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and trade associations
• Partner with Communications and Investor Relations to ensure consistent messaging regarding significant healthcare policy developments and their implications for Kailera
• Represent Kailera in selected industry associations, policy forums, and stakeholder engagements, helping establish the company as a credible and thoughtful voice on obesity policy
• Build relationships with external policy experts, academic institutions, think tanks, and industry organizations to strengthen Kailera's understanding of emerging healthcare policy trends
• Develop and maintain systems for monitoring, analyzing, and communicating policy developments across the organization

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in healthcare policy, public policy, government affairs, reimbursement policy, market access, consulting, or related leadership roles within the biopharmaceutical or healthcare industry
• Deep understanding of U.S. healthcare policy, including the roles of Congress, CMS, FDA, HHS, and state governments in shaping healthcare delivery and reimbursement
• Significant experience analyzing pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement, and market access policies
• Demonstrated understanding of healthcare financing, payer systems, and government healthcare programs
• Experience supporting executive leadership and translating complex policy issues into strategic business recommendations
• Experience representing organizations before trade associations, policy organizations, or government stakeholders preferred
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Deep expertise in healthcare policy and reimbursement
• Ability to synthesize complex legislative and regulatory issues into clear business implications
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills
• Excellent written communication, including preparation of executive briefings and Board materials
• Ability to influence without direct authority across a highly matrixed organization
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build trusted relationships across multiple business functions
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and business acumen
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Health Policy, Economics, Law, Public Health, or a related discipline preferred

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION: 

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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