Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,200 attorneys in 19 offices: 14 in the U.S., three in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
The life science business advisory practice at Wilson Sonsini was formed in 2019 to provide emerging growth and more established life science companies with critical business advice and transactional support. This non-legal practice focuses on life science companies that need support raising capital, developing and evolving their business strategies, and developing and executing on partnership, licensing and M&A transactions. This practice is novel and enhances and complements the strong reach and counsel provided by the firm’s legal practice, which is often working alongside the business advisory practice to support clients.
We are seeking to hire a Director, Life Science Business Advisory Practice, to grow the burgeoning practice. This role can be based out of any of the firm’s offices.
Reporting to the Chief Business Advisor for Life Sciences, the Director will source clients and execute projects and transactions for clients to support on their business needs. The successful candidate will also support the strategic build out of the practice. This is an outstanding opportunity to drive the shape, direction and focus of this growing and dynamic practice on a national and international level.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify and engage new life science client targets for the business advisory practice and Wilson Sonsini legal services
- Meet with clients to understand their business issues and needs
- Interface with attorneys and other firm professionals to provide business counsel to their clients, as well as cross-sell legal services to the business clients, where appropriate
- Execute projects or assignments to address client business objectives, including the creation of business plans, development and execution of partnering/licensing/M&A transactions support client fund raising efforts with private investors
- Provide guidance to clients looking to raise capital, including advice on pitch materials and outreach strategies; support the identification of and introduction to relevant investor targets for clients
- Attend relevant life science partnering and investor conferences and firm events
- Work with Chief Business Advisor to expand the practice and develop appropriate resources to increase awareness of the practice, including creation of value-added tools to clients on business needs
- Some travel (up to 20%)
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in business and/or corporate development, commercial operations, finance and/or transaction related roles within the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics or med tech industries, either within an industry-leading company or in a top-tier consulting or investment banking firm with a life-science focused practice
- Outstanding written and oral communications skills
- Ability to effectively multi-task and effectively manage multiple projects/clients simultaneously
- Excellent judgement on business issues, including knowing when to seek guidance and assistance and strong client service orientation
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other relevant graduate degree (e.g. Master’s) is strongly preferred
The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations are also listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:
San Francisco and Silicon Valley: $208,250 – $281,750 per year
Austin, Boston, Boulder, District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Wilmington: $187,850 – $254,150 per year
Salt Lake City and all other locations: $166,600 – $225,400 per year
The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
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