Advocacy & External Relations Lead

Sobi; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sobi is seeking a senior advocacy professional in the US to support external relations and patient engagement across development and commercialization. You will partner with leadership to design programs, manage budgets, and cultivate relationships with patient groups, policymakers, and medical societies.

The role requires 5+ years in pharma/healthcare advocacy, rare disease experience, strong communication, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree required; Master’s preferred in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in advocacy/external relations in pharma/healthcare.
• Experience across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle (development through commercialization).
• Experience in rare disease.
• Proven ability to build relationships with advocacy organizations, policymakers, and professional/medical societies.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management and ability to manage multiple initiatives and stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating with external agencies/vendors.
• High emotional intelligence and culturally sensitive approach.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of the strategic external relations and advocacy engagement plan across the development and commercialization continuum, partnering with the Director on program design and budget management.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key external partners, including patient advocacy groups, policymakers, and professional organizations, and identify opportunities.
• Lead day-to-day execution of initiatives and collaborations with external stakeholders that serve patients and caregivers, ensuring alignment with corporate values and goals.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams to execute enterprise priorities.
• Communicate and represent Sobi's commitment to patients and caregivers, supporting the organization’s policy positioning.
• Support relationships with partner organizations by tracking policy priorities and coordinating joint meetings and messaging.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with agencies and vendors supporting advocacy programs, ensuring timely delivery.
• Ensure advocacy materials and activities comply with internal review processes.
• Monitor external policy landscape and flag developments to leadership.

Skills

Communication skills

Policy understanding

Relationship building

Project management

Emotional intelligence

Team player

Cultural sensitivity

Travel readiness

Education

BS/BA degree

Master's degree

Job description

Sobi is seeking a senior advocacy professional in the US to support external relations and patient engagement across development and commercialization. You will partner with leadership to design programs, manage budgets, and cultivate relationships with patient groups, policymakers, and medical societies.

The role requires 5+ years in pharma/healthcare advocacy, rare disease experience, strong communication, and project management skills.