The Sr. Director of Business Development will drive Kyverna's growth strategy through strategic partnerships, licensing, and collaboration in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Guided by our core values, Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, we are committed to transforming the future of treatment for autoimmune disease. Join us at the forefront of cell therapy innovation and help redefine what’s possible.
Summary
The Sr. Director, Business Development will play a key role in driving Kyverna’s external growth strategy with identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and executing business development transactions. This role will lead strategic partnerships, licensing transactions, and research collaborations that advance Kyverna’s scientific and commercial objectives. In addition, this role will play a key alliance management role to manage governance and issue resolution with Kyverna’s existing strategic partners.
Title: Sr. Director, Business Development
Location: Must reside in the West coast
Reports to: Chief Business Officer
Responsibilities
- Serve as a senior leader within the Business Development organization, with primary responsibility for driving in-bound and out-bound business development transactions, including strategic partnerships, licensing (in-licensing and out-licensing), and research collaborations.
- Proactively identify, evaluate, and prioritize external partnering opportunities that align with the Company’s scientific platform, pipeline priorities, and long-term growth strategy.
- Build, develop, and maintain senior-level relationships with biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology partners, academic and research institutions, and other strategic stakeholders to advance the Company’s partnering objectives.
- Lead cross-functional deal teams through the end-to-end transaction lifecycle, including:
- Development of strategic rationale and investment thesis
- Opportunity screening and prioritization
- Financial valuation, scenario analysis, and deal modeling
- Scientific, commercial, operational, and legal due diligence
- Deal structuring, negotiation, and execution in close collaboration with Legal, Finance, and the Chief Business Officer
- Prepare and present deal recommendations and transaction materials to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, including strategic fit, value creation, risks, and alternatives.
- Support development and management of the BD pipeline, including tracking opportunities, competitive intelligence, and deal trends.
- Represent the Company at partnering meetings, industry conferences, and key external events, serving as a senior ambassador for the Company’s strategy, science, and partnering priorities.
- Lead alliance management activities with existing strategic partners including oversight of governance, issue escalation and relationship management.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in life sciences, business, or related field (MBA, PhD, or equivalent preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in business development, corporate development, or strategy roles within biotechnology or biopharmaceutical companies.
- Demonstrated track record of executing complex BD transactions, including licensing and strategic partnerships.
- Strong financial and valuation skills, with experience building and interpreting deal models.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders.
- Cell therapy and Autoimmune disease experience preferred.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency with the ability to prioritize, pivot, and deliver results amid competing demands.
The salary range for this position in California is from $260,000 to $290,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation individual education, experience, tenure, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is also eligible for bonus, benefits, and participation in Company’s stock plan.
Similar Jobs
Blockchain • Fintech • Payments • Financial Services • Cryptocurrency • Web3
Lead and execute high-impact strategic partnerships across the Americas to expand USDC distribution. Originate and manage deals end-to-end, design go-to-market strategies, conduct market analysis, negotiate complex agreements, build executive relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to activate and scale partner programs that drive company growth.
Top Skills:
BlockchainDigital AssetsPaymentsUsdc
Cloud • Healthtech • Professional Services • Software • Pharmaceutical
The Director of Business Development drives revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and complex deal closures in the life sciences sector using SaaS solutions.
Top Skills:
Salesforce
Cloud • Software
The Senior Director of Business Development is responsible for driving partner relationships, influencing opportunities, managing contracts, and ensuring collaborative execution with sales teams.
What you need to know about the Ottawa Tech Scene
The capital city of Canada and the nation's fourth-largest urban area, Ottawa has proven a rapidly growing global tech hub. With over 1,800 tech companies, many of which are leaders in their sectors, the city's tech talent now makes up more than 13 percent of its total workforce. This growth is driven not only by the big players like UL Solutions and Dropbox, but also by a thriving startup ecosystem, as new businesses emerge to follow in the footsteps of those that came before them.
