VP, Business Development

When our people share why they joined Rapport and love it here, it comes down to three things: the science, the mission, and the team. At Rapport, we're driven by a passion for developing precision neuromedicines with the potential for fewer side effects, enabling patients and their families to enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives. And we're doing this with extraordinary science and awesome people (affectionately called Rapptors).


Our innovative scientific platform is centered on Receptor Associate Proteins (RAPs). RAPs are a component of neuronal receptor complexes, which play a crucial role in regulating receptor assembly and function. This precision approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of small molecule therapies. We are excited about the potential of our lead program, RAP-219. Our first indication targets focal epilepsy with additional clinical trials in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) and bipolar disorder.

The strength of Rapport comes from our Rapptors - who are united by our mission to improve patients lives. We bring the heart and hustle to advance our science forward, always staying true to our core values. We hope you're as excited about this opportunity as we are!

This role is based in Boston, MA with onsite presence required Monday-Wednesday

Your impact:

Create the strategic relationships that unlock the full potential of our science and bring innovative therapies to patients.


Your day-to-day:

• Develop and continuously refine the company's overall business development strategy across the pipeline and by geography
• Maintain a rigorous view of the competitive and licensing landscape across the CNS therapeutic area, translating market intelligence into actionable partnering recommendations
• Identify and prioritize in-licensing, out-licensing, and other strategic opportunities aligned with corporate strategy and pipeline gaps.
• Build and manage a proactive pipeline of partnership opportunities; represent the company at industry conferences, investor events, and partnering forums (e.g., JPM Healthcare Conference, BIO International, BIO-Europe) to originate and cultivate relationships.
• Lead due diligence processes in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders, including data room management and diligence coordination.
• Structure, negotiate, and close strategic transactions, including financial modeling in partnership with Finance.
• Draft and manage term sheets, letters of intent, and definitive agreements alongside outside counsel, ensuring alignment with company risk tolerance and long-term strategic objectives.
• Support alliance management and governance activities to help ensure successful execution of strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate internally to ensure the company meets its contractual obligations and captures full value from existing collaborations.

Must-Haves:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced scientific or business degree (Ph.D., M.D., M.B.A., or equivalent) preferred.
• 15+ years of business development experience within the biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated success leading a broad range of strategic transactions, including licensing, research collaborations, co-development, commercial partnerships, and strategic alliances.
• Experience supporting assets across multiple stages of the product lifecycle, from early research through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of transaction structures, intellectual property, valuation, and business terms.
• Proven experience leading complex negotiations and bringing transactions to successful execution.
• Experience working with global partners and negotiating cross-border transactions preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior executives and external partners.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile biotechnology environment while effectively manage multiple priorities.

What makes Rapport special:

• Every role has meaning. We're determined to discover a better way for patients, and you'll feel the passion from the start.
• We are driven to innovate. Exciting science that pushes boundaries and opens new possibilities.
• Your perspective matters. Stick your neck out, share your ideas - we work as a team.
• We have FUN. We hire smart, dedicated, down-to-earth people that you'll enjoy spending time with.
• Leadership that CARES - about you, your growth + development.
• We're bicoastal. Whether you're in the lab full-time in San Diego or taking advantage of a more hybrid work schedule in Boston - we make the most of our time together.
• Competitive benefits. Including unlimited PTO, a lifestyle spending account, commuting reimbursement, and much more!
• You get to be YOU! Show up as you are and make every day count.

Your Compensation:

We get it. Compensation is an important part of your offer. You shouldn't be surprised at the end of the recruiting process, and you should know that your offer is fair and equitable. How do we do this? We tell you about our hiring range now - we expect the hiring range for the role to be $310,000 to $335,000. Our actual offer will reflect a lot of factors including your relevant skills, experience, location, salary market data, and internal equity. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer a pretty great benefits package. We don't stop here - if you join Rapport, we go to the next level. We share our full salary ranges for every level across our company.


Hybrid Work Environment:

We prioritize in person connection with our fellow Rapptors! Our team members come together onsite at our Boston office Monday-Wednesday to create more opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and connection.

Rapport Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.

CCPA disclosure notice can be found here.