Director, Government Affairs

Place in the Organization

At uniQure, we are delivering on the promise of gene therapy – and delivering hope for patients facing urgent unmet medical needs. Every role in our organization carries profound purpose; whether you're in research, operations, access, or support, your contributions impact patients. We're seeking passionate professionals who thrive in high-stakes environments, uphold rigorous quality standards, and share our relentless commitment to transforming the lives of patients. Join us in making the impossible possible, where your expertise becomes a catalyst for life-changing treatments.

The Director, Government Affairs is responsible for developing and executing global government affairs strategies that advance the company's mission to deliver transformative gene therapies to patients with rare diseases. This role will serve as a key interface between the company and government stakeholders across multiple geographies, shaping legislative and policy environments that support Regulatory, access, reimbursement, and the long-term development of the gene therapy field. This role will also build strategic stakeholder relationships and support the needs of patients and healthcare professionals to drive business goals.

Key result areas (major duties, accountabilities and responsibilities)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global government affairs strategy aligned with the company's rare disease and gene therapy pipeline and commercial objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies across priority markets including the US, EU, and UK.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments relevant to rare disease, gene therapy, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), and broader biotech policy.
• Advocate for policies that support patient access, innovative reimbursement frameworks, and a favorable regulatory environment for gene therapies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including Medical Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial teams to ensure government affairs activities are integrated into broader business strategies.
• Represent the company at relevant government meetings, industry coalitions, trade associations, and public forums.
• Partner with patient advocacy organizations and rare disease communities to amplify the patient voice in policy discussions.
• Support the development of policy positions, white papers, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder communications.
• Manage and coordinate external government affairs consultants and lobbying firms across key markets.
• Provide senior leadership with timely intelligence and strategic guidance on the evolving political and policy landscape.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Public Policy, Law, Life Sciences, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in government affairs or public policy ideally within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or rare disease sector.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government stakeholders across multiple geographies, with particular expertise in the US, EU, and/or UK policy environments.
• Deep understanding of the regulatory and reimbursement landscape for rare diseases and/or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs/gene therapies) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific and regulatory topics into compelling policy narratives for non-expert audiences.
• Strong existing relationships with relevant government agencies, legislative offices, and industry bodies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing briefing documents, policy papers, and executive presentations.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across functions and cultures in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.