Senior Director, Legal Counsel

Role Summary

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.

• This role is expected to have critical understanding of complex contracts and strong knowledge of key provisions of such agreements such as indemnities, limitations of liability, intellectual property, warranties and covenants, regulatory, termination and other critical contract negotiation issues.
• Agreements will include indentures, lease agreements, clinical trial agreements, pharmaceutical license agreements, master service agreements, software license agreements and supply and wholesaler arrangements.
• Lead certain general corporate contracts – drafting, negotiating and reviewing certain corporate contracts, as needed and knowledge of contract-related systems.
• Independently provide leadership on cross-functional teams, identify legal issues, provide legal options and analysis of possible legal solutions, and give recommendations for addressing critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met.
• May also provide support and advice to G&A departments and investor relations.
• Manage outside counsel effectively and efficiently, and consistent with applicable budgets. Work creatively with outside counsel to minimize fees and costs.

• JD degree
• Admitted to at least one state bar. Admitted to California bar or admitted as Registered In-House Counsel in California is a plus
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as in-house counsel in a biotechnology, pharma or healthcare company or a combination of in-house at large public company and/or nationally recognized law firm specializing in the area of interest
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. securities laws and NASDAQ requirements. Experience with securities filings of public companies in the life science industry or strong experience in completing public Merger and Acquisition activities
• Detailed-oriented with a high level of intellectual, professional and interpersonal agility and flexibility, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• A sophisticated existing understanding of financial regulations
• An ability to operate independently
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to take responsibility for novel and emerging areas of regulation
• Well-organized and hardworking, with the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Excellent analytical skills, with a strong ability to draft and review legal documents, analyze legal advice and apply legal advice to business needs
• Ability to form strong working relationships with all levels of management, employees, and partners while maintaining firm adherence to proper legal standards
• Team-oriented, sound judgment, self-motivation and willingness to take initiative