Head of Expanded Access Programs, Americas, Global Rare Diseases

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 226,000; Full time

Job summary

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases in Boston seeks a Global Head of Expanded Access Programs for the Americas to lead EAP strategy and governance across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. You will partner with Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure compliant patient access and program scalability.

The role requires extensive leadership in Expanded Access, multi-country execution, and budget management, with a focus on patient access and lifecycle strategy. Hybrid Boston location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in life sciences, healthcare, pharmacy, medicine, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead EAP strategy for the Americas in alignment with global Medical Affairs priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory understanding

Vendor management

Budget management

Program management

Communication

Project management

Influence senior leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in life sciences/healthcare

Job description

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Head of Expanded Access Programs, Americas, Global Rare Diseases

Date: Oct 20, 2026

Department: GRD Global Medical Affairs

Job Type: Direct Employee

Business Area: Mktg, Market Access, Bus. Excellence & Med. Affair

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Boston, MA, US

About Us

Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years’ experience, operating in 31 countries. More than 8,000 employees across the group are united by a singular purpose: promoting a healthier world for our people, patients, and the planet. This is what drives us as we research, develop, and market innovative drugs across our main therapeutic areas. Discover more here.

At Chiesi we are thinking generations ahead, driving sustainable innovation with purpose. This fosters a culture of reliability, transparency, and ethical behaviour at every level. As a Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, we have embedded sustainability in our bylaws and continuously measure our impact.

Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are at the heart of who we are. We believe our differences make us stronger. We are a vibrant ecosystem of passionate, talented individuals united by strong values, each bringing unique perspectives that help us to continuously challenge the status quo for the better.

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a Chiesi Group’s business unit established in February 2020 and focused on research, development and commercialization of treatments and patient support services for rare and ultra-rare disorders, many of whom have limited or no treatments available.

This unit is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a strong synergy with the headquarters in Parma.

Rare unit has a focus on research and product development for lysosomal storage diseases, rare hematology, ophthalmology disorders and rare immunodeficiencies. The unit is also a dedicated partner with global leaders in scientific research, patient advocacy and care. Discover more here.

Who we are looking for

This is what you will do

The Global Head, Expanded Access Programs – Americas is responsible for the global strategic leadership, governance, and operational oversight of Expanded Access Programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, serving as the organization's senior subject matter expert and accountable leader for EAP activities within the region.

The role is responsible for developing and implementing the EAP strategy for the Americas in alignment with the broader Global Scientific Engagement & Innovation strategy and company priorities. The position provides strategic leadership across the full EAP lifecycle, including program feasibility, design, implementation, governance, operational execution, ongoing oversight, and program closure.

The Global Head will serve as a key strategic partner to senior Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, including Regulatory, Pharmacovigilance, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Clinical Development, Commercial, and other relevant functions.

The role will establish appropriate governance and operating standards, ensure compliant and consistent execution across countries, and proactively identify opportunities to improve patient access, operational efficiency, and the scalability of EAP programs.

The Global Head will also provide strategic input into product launches, lifecycle planning, portfolio strategy, and patient access initiatives, particularly where Expanded Access may be an important component of the overall medical strategy.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Lead Expanded Access Program (EAP) strategy for the Americas, aligning with global and Medical Affairs priorities.
• Provide strategic direction for EAP activities across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
• Serve as the regional EAP subject matter expert and advisor to senior leadership.
• Establish EAP priorities, governance, operating principles, and strategic objectives.
• Partner with global leadership to evolve the EAP operating model and strategy.
• Contribute to portfolio planning, product launches, lifecycle management, and medical strategies impacting patient access.
• Program Development & Oversight
  
  • Lead evaluation, development, implementation, and oversight of EAP programs.
  • Assess opportunities based on patient need, regulatory requirements, medical rationale, feasibility, risk, resources, and budget.
  • Ensure appropriate governance and decision-making processes for EAP requests.
  • Oversee program lifecycle management, including issue escalation and resolution.
  • Ensure compliant processes for adverse event reporting, product complaints, and safety-related activities.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  
  • Serve as the primary EAP partner to Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Pharmacovigilance, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Clinical Development, and Commercial teams.
  • Define roles, responsibilities, governance structures, and escalation pathways.
  • Align patient access objectives with regulatory, compliance, quality, supply, and business requirements.
• Oversee EAP vendors, CROs, specialty pharmacies, distributors, and service providers.
• Lead vendor selection, contracting, performance management, and issue resolution.
• Manage Americas EAP budgets and ensure financial compliance.
• Drive cost efficiency, scalability, and operational effectiveness.
• Operational Excellence & Innovation
  
  • Establish and monitor KPIs and communicate performance to leadership.
  • Drive process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Implement innovative approaches to enhance operations and patient access.
  • Leverage cross-country learnings to develop scalable solutions while meeting local requirements.
  • Contribute to global policies, SOPs, governance frameworks, and operating standards.
• External & Patient Access Leadership
  
  • Maintain relationships with healthcare professionals, institutions, patient organizations, and other key stakeholders.
  • Ensure participating sites have required protocols, documentation, and product information.
  • Represent the company in external EAP forums and professional organizations as appropriate.
• Leadership & People Management
  
  • Lead and develop the Americas EAP organization.
  • Establish objectives, accountability, and performance expectations.
  • Build organizational capabilities in Expanded Access, patient access operations, regulatory requirements, and vendor management.
  • Collaborate with global EAP leaders to drive consistency and share best practices.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and career development for team members.

You will need to have

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in life sciences, healthcare, pharmacy, medicine, or related discipline required.
• Significant pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or healthcare industry experience.
• Significant leadership experience inExpanded Access, Compassionate Use, Named Patient, or similar patient access programs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing EAP strategy across multiple countries.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Expanded Access requirements and international patient access frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to operate strategically with senior leadership and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex external vendors, contracts, and budgets.
• Strong understanding of Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Pharmacovigilance, Quality, Legal, and Compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and complex programs across multiple geographies.
• Strong strategic, analytical, communication, negotiation, and project management capabilities.

We would prefer for you to have

• Experience with rare diseases and/or specialty pharmaceutical products.

Location

Hybrid position based in Boston, MA. #LI-Hybrid

Compensation

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $164,000 to $226,000. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. If hired, the employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

What we offer

No matter where your path starts at Chiesi, it leads to inspiring possibilities. Your future is our focus, and we are committed to nurturing your development in our dynamic, friendly environment with access to resources and training every step of the way.

We provide top-class benefits, including comprehensive healthcare programs, work-life balance initiatives, and robust relocation support. Our salary package is competitive, comprising a basic salary, performance bonuses, and benefits benchmarked against the external market. Additionally, we offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and tax assistance services for foreign colleagues, all designed to help you thrive.

Chiesi USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse work force at all levels of our business. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation eligibility for benefits and termination.