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Assoc. Director, Patient Access Lead

Lexington, MA

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders. At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most.

 

The Associate Director, Patient Access Lead is a key role within the Patient Services Team and is instrumental in nurturing relationships with patients and providers and helping to ensure patient access to critical treatment in a timely manner. Reporting to the Director, Patient Services, this complex role is the ultimate patient champion, focusing on delivering the best possible patient experience with our patient support service offerings. 

This role is based in our Lexington, MA office and requires employees to be onsite five days per week.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

  • Function as contact point for patients and providers within the Patient Services program.  Responsible for the timely enrollment and documentation of patients into the program, managing insurance evaluations and appropriate financial support options based on program guidelines. 
  • Serve as subject matter expert to communicate specific patient service offerings, policies, procedures, and resources to health care providers and offices. Visit customers in the field as needed to educate and/or work through reimbursement challenges.
  • Have expertise in insurance coverages, changes in market access policies and patient access programs.
  • Seamlessly coordinate specialty and free goods pharmacies ensuring patient access to prescribed treatment. Communicate coverage discussions to appropriate internal functions and externally to key customers within assigned accounts in compliant manner
  • Coordinate with injection training partner ensuring timely patient education 
  • Maintain adherence to Patient Services policies and procedures, and compliance guidelines. Receive, record, and report Adverse Events and Product Complaints compliantly
  • Analyze regional program data & insights to identify opportunities for enhancing Kiniksa’s patient services offerings.  Achieves brand specific patient access objectives and maintains service levels based on established Key Performance Indicators 
  • Work effectively & collaboratively with a host of internal cross-functional partners, and develop and cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders, including specialty pharmacies and vendor partners

Stand Out Skills for Impact:

  • Deep expertise in patient access, reimbursement, and insurance navigation, enabling timely enrollment, coverage resolution, and access to therapy for complex and rare disease patients
  • Proven ability to act as a patient and provider advocate, delivering high-touch support while serving as a subject matter expert on patient services programs, policies, and financial assistance options
  • Strong cross-functional collaborator skilled in coordinating with specialty pharmacies, payers, and internal teams to streamline access, resolve barriers, and enhance patient experience
  • Data-driven and solutions-oriented, with experience leveraging program insights to optimize patient services operations, improve processes, and drive performance against KPIs while maintaining strict compliance standards

Qualifications and Experience:

  • BA/BS and 5+ years equivalent experience in US Patient Support Services preferred
  • US product launch experience and experience in rare diseases is highly desirable 
  • Experience navigating CRMs to support patients from enrollment through initial dispense and ongoing access is required, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
  • Experience in direct interactions with top US specialty pharmacies and payers
  • Experience working with a variety of internal stakeholders, including field sales, marketing, trade & distribution, and market access
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, initiative, and creativity related to Patient Support Program processes and strong interpersonal and communication skills required
  • In depth understanding of all relevant US legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements required with a strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards
  • Experience in rare diseases / specialty medicines is highly desirable
  • Ability to travel as needed

Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.

Pay Range

$160,000 - $175,000 USD

Kiniksa is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or any other legally protected category. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

Kiniksa does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will be considered property of Kiniksa, and no fees will be paid.

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