The Position

The Opportunity

Everything we do at Maze is about patients. This role makes sure that is true in practice.

As our Senior Director, Patient Advocacy, you will lead the function that connects Maze to the people our medicines are meant to serve: patients, caregivers, and the communities around them. You will make sure their experience and insight shape how we design trials, plan enrollment, approach regulators, and talk about our work.

This is a newly created role, and it arrives at an important moment. Our lead program, MZE829, is moving toward a pivotal trial that we plan to start in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory feedback. The patient voice will matter more than ever in how that trial is designed and run.

You will set the direction for patient advocacy across our kidney and metabolic disease portfolio, from our APOL1-mediated kidney disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) programs to the indications that come next. A Director is already in the function and will report to you, and you will shape the team from there, including future hires.

The Impact You’ll Have

Set the direction

Own the patient advocacy and community involvement strategy, aligned with our pipeline priorities, Medical Affairs objectives, and company goals.
Own the function's budget and resource plan, and report progress and impact to the Head of Medical Affairs and executive leadership.

Be Maze's bridge to patients and communities

Serve as the primary link between Maze and patients, caregivers, and advocacy organizations across kidney disease, metabolic disease, and future indications.
Build and steward partnerships with national and international advocacy organizations, professional societies, and community-based organizations, with particular attention to communities disproportionately affected by kidney disease.
Create the communications, events, and education programs that help people understand the diseases we work on and our pipeline.

Put patient insight into decisions

Represent patients and caregivers in Medical Affairs and cross-functional leadership discussions, so their insight informs clinical development plans, enrollment initiatives, regulatory strategy, and company decisions.
Establish and chair patient and caregiver advisory groups that inform trial design, patient support programs, and health equity initiatives.

Lead with integrity

Ensure patient advocacy activities, partnerships, grants, and sponsorships are conducted ethically and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, industry codes, and company policies.

Build the team and show results

Lead, mentor, and grow the patient advocacy team, including hiring and setting clear performance and growth expectations.
Develop and report metrics that show the function's impact on trial enrollment, patient experience, and community trust.

As a Senior Director, we also expect our leaders to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

Communication and Influence
Role models clear communication and open two-way conversations.
Reinforces an environment where people feel heard and their opinions are valued.
Inspires followership despite differing initial opinions.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Champions collaborations and connections across Maze.
Establishes team norms and expectations.
Seeks opportunities to spotlight team and individual contributions in public forums.
Execution and Results
Develops recommendations to seize on opportunities and mitigate obstacles that could impact long-term success.
Coaches others on resource management and work distribution/delegation.
Aligns work to Maze’s strategy, mission, and vision.
Develop Others and Self
Develops staff capabilities to handle delegation of responsibilities.
Encourages staff to develop and execute personal stretch goals.
Identifies and recommends ways to increase inclusive leadership.

What We’re Looking For

What you'll need

An understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry and drug development lifecycle, including patient engagement in drug development and the compliance principles governing interactions with patients and advocacy organizations.