Assoc. Director, Patient Access Lead

About the Company

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA-approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. The company fosters a highly collaborative, patient-first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders, where talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact.

About the Role

The Associate Director, Patient Access Lead is a key role within the Patient Services Team, instrumental in nurturing relationships with patients and providers to ensure timely patient access to critical treatment. This role is the ultimate patient champion, focusing on delivering the best possible patient experience with Kiniksa’s patient support service offerings. The position is based in Lexington, MA, and requires onsite work five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Function as the contact point for patients and providers within the Patient Services program.
• Ensure timely enrollment and documentation of patients into the program, managing insurance evaluations and appropriate financial support options based on program guidelines.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to communicate patient service offerings, policies, procedures, and resources to healthcare providers and offices.
• Visit customers in the field as needed to educate and/or work through reimbursement challenges.
• Demonstrate expertise in insurance coverages, changes in market access policies, and patient access programs.
• Seamlessly coordinate specialty and free goods pharmacies to ensure patient access to prescribed treatment.
• Communicate coverage discussions to appropriate internal functions and externally to key customers within assigned accounts in a compliant manner.
• Coordinate with injection training partners to ensure timely patient education.
• Maintain adherence to Patient Services policies and procedures, and compliance guidelines.
• Receive, record, and report Adverse Events and Product Complaints compliantly.
• Analyze regional program data and insights to identify opportunities for enhancing Kiniksa’s patient services offerings.
• Achieve brand-specific patient access objectives and maintain service levels based on established Key Performance Indicators.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with internal cross-functional partners and develop relationships with key external stakeholders, including specialty pharmacies and vendor partners.

Skills

• Deep expertise in patient access, reimbursement, and insurance navigation, enabling timely enrollment, coverage resolution, and access to therapy for complex and rare disease patients.
• Proven ability to act as a patient and provider advocate, delivering high-touch support while serving as a subject matter expert on patient services programs, policies, and financial assistance options.
• Strong cross-functional collaborator skilled in coordinating with specialty pharmacies, payers, and internal teams to streamline access, resolve barriers, and enhance patient experience.
• Data-driven and solutions-oriented, with experience leveraging program insights to optimize patient services operations, improve processes, and drive performance against KPIs while maintaining strict compliance standards.

Requirements

• BA/BS and 5+ years of equivalent experience in US Patient Support Services (preferred).
• US product launch experience and experience in rare diseases is highly desirable.
• Experience navigating CRMs to support patients from enrollment through initial dispense and ongoing access, as well as proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience in direct interactions with top US specialty pharmacies and payers.
• Experience working with a variety of internal stakeholders, including field sales, marketing, trade & distribution, and market access.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, initiative, and creativity related to Patient Support Program processes, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of all relevant US legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements, with a strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards.
• Experience in rare diseases/specialty medicines is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Pay

Pay Range: $160,000 - $175,000 USD