Ardelyx is a publicly traded commercial biopharmaceutical company founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs. Ardelyx has two commercial products approved in the United States, IBSRELA® (tenapanor) and XPHOZAH® (tenapanor). Ardelyx has agreements for the development and commercialization of tenapanor outside of the U.S. Kyowa Kirin commercializes PHOZEVEL® (tenapanor) for hyperphosphatemia in Japan. A New Drug Application for tenapanor for hyperphosphatemia has been approved in China with Fosun Pharma. Knight Therapeutics commercializes IBSRELA in Canada.

Position Summary

Ardelyx is seeking a passionate individual who works with integrity and determination, to make a difference for patients. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Patient Advocacy & Government Affairs, the Director of Public Policy will provide leadership and shape Federal and State policy issues that impact patient access to medicines and our ability to conduct business. This person will skillfully advise the business on these issues while serving as a leader before trade associations like BIO.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and communicate policy developments affecting Ardelyx and the broader biopharmaceutical sector, offering strategic counsel to internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Lead research and provide insights on public sector trends related to patient access, reimbursement, and healthcare quality
• Act as a primary liaison with federal agencies (e.g., HHS, CMS) and external partners to support advocacy and engagement initiatives
• Partner with leadership to shape policy positions, leveraging deep expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payer frameworks, and specialty pharmacy. Drive internal initiatives, the policy prioritization process and future issue identification
• Identifying and pursuing additional opportunities to advance our company’s business objectives
• Establish and track annual goals and key performance indicators in alignment with the company’s strategic priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree is highly desired, with 10+ years of healthcare experience in public policy, with an emphasis on CMS and HHS policies or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated outstanding research, analytical and communications skills
• A high level of energy and passion toward patients, science and public health
• Working knowledge and appreciation of the complexities of the drug development process regulatory requirements and reimbursement
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact and influence all levels of business
• Ability to travel up to 15%

The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $210,000-$256,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.

Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.

Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.