VP, Business Development

When our people share why they joined Rapport and love it here, it comes down to three things: the science, the mission, and the team. At Rapport, we’re driven by a passion for developing precision neuromedicines with the potential for fewer side effects, enabling patients and their families to enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives. And we’re doing this with extraordinary science and awesome people (affectionately called Rapptors). Our innovative scientific platform is centered on Receptor Associate Proteins (RAPs). RAPs are a component of neuronal receptor complexes, which play a crucial role in regulating receptor assembly and function. This precision approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of small molecule therapies. We are excited about the potential of our lead program, RAP-219. Our first indication targets focal epilepsy with additional clinical trials in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) and bipolar disorder. The strength of Rapport comes from our Rapptors – who are united by our mission to improve patients lives. We bring the heart and hustle to advance our science forward, always staying true to our core values. We hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as we are! This role is based in Boston, MA with onsite presence required Monday-Wednesday Your impact: Create the strategic relationships that unlock the full potential of our science and bring innovative therapies to patients. Your day-to-day: Develop and continuously refine the company's overall business development strategy across the pipeline and by geography Maintain a rigorous view of the competitive and licensing landscape across the CNS therapeutic area, translating market intelligence into actionable partnering recommendations Identify and prioritize in-licensing, out-licensing, and other strategic opportunities aligned with corporate strategy and pipeline gaps. Build and manage a proactive pipeline of partnership opportunities; represent the company at industry conferences, investor events, and partnering forums (e.g., JPM Healthcare Conference, BIO International, BIO-Europe) to originate and cultivate relationships. Lead due diligence processes in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders, including data room management and diligence coordination. Structure, negotiate, and close strategic transactions, including financial modeling in partnership with Finance. Draft and manage term sheets, letters of intent, and definitive agreements alongside outside counsel, ensuring alignment with company risk tolerance and long-term strategic objectives. Support alliance management and governance activities to help ensure successful execution of strategic partnerships. Coordinate internally to ensure the company meets its contractual obligations and captures full value from existing collaborations. Must-Haves: Bachelor's degree required; advanced scientific or business degree (Ph.D., M.D., M.B.A., or equivalent) preferred. 15+ years of business development experience within the biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated success leading a broad range of strategic transactions, including licensing, research collaborations, co-development, commercial partnerships, and strategic alliances. Experience supporting assets across multiple stages of the product lifecycle, from early research through commercialization. Strong understanding of transaction structures, intellectual property, valuation, and business terms. Proven experience leading complex negotiations and bringing transactions to successful execution. Experience working with global partners and negotiating cross-border transactions preferred. Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical skills. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior executives and external partners. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile biotechnology environment while effectively manage multiple prior…