Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Guided by our core values, Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, we are committed to transforming the future of treatment for autoimmune disease. Join us at the forefront of cell therapy innovation and help redefine what’s possible.
 
Summary
The 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 Development
Location: Must reside in the West coast
Reports to: Chief Business Officer  


Responsibilities

Serve 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 thesis

Opportunity screening and prioritization

Financial valuation, scenario analysis, and deal modeling

Scientific, commercial, operational, and legal due diligence

Deal structuring, negotiation, and execution in close collaboration with Legal, Finance, and the Chief Business Officer

Prepare 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.  

Qualifications

Advanced 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.