Executive Director, Head of Search & Evaluation, Business Development

Custom Field 1:  2790
Date:  Jan 9, 2026
Location: 

Cambridge, MA, US, 02142

Overview

 

For the Executive Director, Head of Search & Evaluation role, we are seeking an experienced business development (BD) leader with deep scientific expertise and passion for innovation to source and evaluate external innovation and build strong scientific networks.

 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an extensive understanding of broad research, development, and regulatory processes. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to identify / assess / advocate innovative technologies and therapeutic assets, conduct landscape / competitive analysis, maintain continuous and active engagement with potential partners, lead R&D teams to perform due diligence, and support transactional activities. The candidate is required to have strong interpersonal skills as this role will work with multiple senior internal and external stakeholders to drive and facilitate highly visible and time-sensitive BD projects.

 

Reporting to SVP & Head of Business Development, this position is hybrid and will be located in Cambridge, MA.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

  • Demonstrate leadership and scientific acumen while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Commercial, Finance, and BD Transactions to identify and assess external innovation for Alnylam governance endorsement, including leading scientific evaluations and due diligence in support of BD opportunity review, prioritization, and decision-making.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, venture capitalists, and other stakeholders.
  • Serve as thought partner to facilitate and support formulation of BD strategies to drive toward enterprise goals and objectives while sourcing and evaluating external innovation.
  • Communicate effectively both internally across a matrix organization and externally with potential partners by articulating the vision, purpose, and expectations of the BD initiatives to ensure clarity and alignment.
  • As part of the BD Leadership Team, manage or coach a team of BD professionals and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

 

Qualifications

 

  • An advanced degree in the biomedical field such as MD, PhD, and PharmD required.
  • At least 10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical BD, consulting, venture capital, or investment banking.
  • Extensive experience in sourcing external innovation and leading scientific due diligence to support the execution of complex and high-value transactions. Deal sheet specifics required.
  • Deep understanding of the drug development processes from discovery to regulatory approval and knowledge of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, including market trends, regulatory environment, and their business impact.
  • Demonstrated ability to simplify complex ideas / concepts, synthesize and summarize a complex set of facts and opportunities within the broader strategic context as well as proven track record to exert influence, facilitate candid dialogue find solutions and gain alignment.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • Highly collaborative, team-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects efficiently with a high degree of independence and purposed urgency.
  • Strong executive presence, leadership, and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

 

 

 

U.S. Pay Range

$280,500.00 - $379,500.00

The pay range reflects the full-time base salary range we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Base pay will be determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for an annual short-term incentive award (e.g., bonus or sales incentive) and an annual long-term incentive award (e.g., equity).

Alnylam’s robust Total Rewards package is designed to support your overall health and well-being. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match. Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks. We also offer generous family resources and leave. Our commitment to your well-being reflects our belief that caring for our people fuels the impact we create together.

Learn more about these and additional benefits offered by Alnylam by visiting the Benefits section of the Careers website: https://www.alnylam.com/careers

About Alnylam

We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics – a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possible and are just at the beginning of what’s possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E-Verify Employer.


Nearest Major Market: Cambridge
Nearest Secondary Market: Boston