Senior Director, Business Development (Platform Technologies)

About us:

Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company deploying leading-edge structural biology and computational chemistry tools to create novel small molecule medicines for challenging targets, with an initial focus on immunology, inflammation and neurology.

Our proprietary drug discovery platform, ReSOLVE, gives us the ability to discover and develop medicines through unique insights into protein targets and to create dynamic blueprints that can guide the development of differentiated small molecule medicines. Our lead programs target key innate immune modulators, including NLRP3 and cGAS. We aim to use the ReSOLVE platform to improve the way medicines are discovered and developed, with the ultimate goal of restoring the health of people facing serious illnesses.

Position Overview:

Reporting to Ventus’ COO, Ventus is seeking an experienced senior executive with broad domain knowledge in small molecule drug discovery and early development to lead execution of partnerships based on Ventus’ ReSOLVE platform. Primary responsibilities include sourcing, evaluating, and executing value-creation opportunities with potential partners. In collaboration with Ventus’ senior leadership, you will devise a partnership strategy encompassing prioritization of potential partners, positioning of Ventus and ReSOLVE, and structuring deals. You will leverage and grow your network to source opportunities for Ventus to maximize value from ReSOLVE and the pipeline of small-molecule drug candidates it continues to generate.

Our ideal candidate is a highly accomplished biopharmaceutical business development leader with notable partnership formation achievement, who enjoys working closely with scientific teams and senior leaders, and possesses experience working with platform technology companies and early discovery programs. We are seeking an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment, who is motivated by ambitious goals, and passionate about developing new medicines.

Responsibilities:

• Own the development and execution of a robust and compelling business development strategy to support Ventus’ corporate goals.
• Run partnership and out-licensing discussion processes including oversight of due diligence, drafting and negotiating term sheets, working closely with Ventus’ legal team and outside counsel on negotiating collaboration agreements, and ensuring internal visibility, input, and alignment.
• Ensure clear and consistent business case development and communications (in compelling slide decks and memos) to Ventus’ management team and board.
• As appropriate, work closely with Ventus’ corporate and strategic finance colleagues and external experts, including investment bankers, and oversee the creation and evolution of financial models that inform the valuation of opportunities.
• Act as an ambassador for Ventus at external meetings, conferences, and seminars, to access new opportunities and build and expand external networks.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant industry experience preferred, including experience leading or overseeing alliance management in the context of pharma/biotech collaborations.
• Deep understanding of industrial drug discovery including understanding the role of AI, machine learning and other computational approaches at scale to transform drug discovery.
• Strong exposure (either professionally or through personal curiosity and independent study) to advanced computational approaches (including AI and machine learning) is required.
• You can think flexibly and creatively across science, technology, business strategy and complex transactions.
• You are very driven, thrive on turning "no" into "yes", and have the deal sheet to prove it.
• You have the personal characteristics of other successful Ventus team members including a high level of effort and resilience, which come from a strong personal interest in our work, receptivity to being coached for growth and improvement, and a good perspective on the operations of the overall company to help understand how your contributions support the whole organization.
• Strong capabilities in scientific and strategic analysis and communication.
• Exceptional collaboration skills with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Strong network in biopharma, life science, and VC communities in SF or Boston areas.
• Applicants local to our Waltham, MA site will be prioritized.

Application Requirements:

To be a successful applicant for this position, please clearly include the following on your resume:

• Experience working with a biopharmaceutical platform technology
• Details regarding deals closed related to platform technology partnering