SummaryThe 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 DevelopmentLocation: Must reside in the West coastReports to: Chief Business OfficerResponsibilitiesServe 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 thesisOpportunity screening and prioritizationFinancial valuation, scenario analysis, and deal modelingScientific, commercial, operational, and legal due diligenceDeal structuring, negotiation, and execution in close collaboration with Legal, Finance, and the Chief Business OfficerPrepare 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.QualificationsAdvanced 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.Closing descriptionThe 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.
