Senior Director, Patient Advocacy & Partnerships

Apnimed is a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company working to transform the treatment of sleep apnea based on a simple idea – patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could benefit from treatment with a safe and effective oral medication dosed once daily at bedtime. Our lead development program, AD109, targets the neurologic control of upper airway muscles to maintain an open airway during sleep. Based in Cambridge, Mass., Apnimed is committed to innovation, as well as state-of-the-art advancements in sleep medicine, which is leading to the development of a portfolio of novel pharmacologic therapies for sleep apnea and related disorders. Of note, the Boston Business Journal has also voted Apnimed as one of the Best Places to Work in 2024 and 2025!

The Role:

At Apnimed, we believe the most effective way to improve lives is to listen to the people living them. The Senior Director of Patient Advocacy and Partnerships will be responsible for leading strategy, engagement and collaboration with the key patient advocacy groups that represent the interests of people living with obstructive sleep apnea. This individual is a dedicated leader within and outside our walls, ensuring the patient perspective is the "North Star" of our work.

The role is more than "engagement" - it is about building deep, ethical partnerships with the community and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need. This leader will be the primary link between the patient sleep health community and the programs we build to support them, ensuring every patient’s journey is met with dignity, clarity, and ease.

The ideal candidate will be a high energy, purpose-driven leader who is a strategic thinker, a strong relationship-builder, and can make a big impact on behalf of patients.

This leader will report to VP of Patient Experience when hired, and to our chief Commercial Officer until then. The position may be based in Apnimed headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or based remotely with occasional travel to the home office.

Key Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop strong and collaborative working relationships with all key patient advocacy groups relevant to Apnimed’s focus in obstructive sleep apnea.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy and tactical plan for engaging with patient advocacy groups in support of the launch of AD109
• Provide patient society input into key initiatives and plans from regulatory, medical, and commercial functions
• Bring patient stories and voices into internal company meetings to engage, inform, and energize every employee about “why we do what we do”
• Develop effective systems, processes, metrics, and reports for engagement with patient advocacy groups and professional societies, including reviewing grant and sponsorship requests
• Establish strong and collaborative working relationships with cross-functional internal colleagues
• Serve as a key member of the Enterprise leadership team, collaborating closely with Medical Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Commercial leaders and functional teams

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social science or biological science required; relevant graduate degree preferred (e.g., public health, social work, biological or behavioral sciences)
• Clinical training and experience with patient care is highly desirable, but not required
• Additional experience working or volunteering with health-related non-profit organizations is highly desirable

Work-related Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience and 5+ years in Patient Advocacy required, ideally in both small and larger companies, especially in chronic disease areas with high unmet medical needs
• High level of emotional intelligence, with keen ability to build high levels of trust and effectively collaborate with internal colleagues and external stakeholders
• Notably strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Track record of demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute with agility; able to “get the right things done well and on time”
• Strong project planning and management skills, including problem-solving and risk mitigation
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical disease education campaigns and product launches through regulatory filing, review, approval and launch
• Unimpeached track record of the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and ethics
• Working knowledge of industry, regulatory, ethical, legal compliance guidelines relevant to engaging with patient advocates and health care providers
• Experience with the sleep health industry is preferred
• Ability to travel as needed, up to 20%, mainly in U.S.

What Apnimed Offers:

• 401(k) with company match
• Generous time off for vacation
• Generous Company paid benefits
• Flexible working environment
• Motivated and experienced team

Location and Other Information:

• Apnimed is a privately held company based in Cambridge, MA
• Apnimed is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.
• Please visit us at to learn more about our work with Obstructive Sleep Apnea