About Zevra Therapeutics, Inc.
We are a rare disease therapeutics company leading with science to make life-changing therapeutics available to patients with significant unmet needs. We involve key thought leaders, physicians, patients, care partners, and advocacy groups in all of our clinical and regulatory development strategies.
With a keen understanding that drug development often requires creative solutions, we have the insight and expertise to forge new pathways to success that others have missed. By following the data without bias, our transparent narratives and common-sense perspective have successfully overcome complex development challenges to make much-needed therapies available to patients.
Nimble and dauntless, we push boundaries beyond what is thought to be possible and advance new therapies that have the potential to bring meaningful improvement to patients’ lives.
About The Role
The Vice President, Corporate Legal will serve as a key member of the Legal Department, reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer. This strategic role will lead corporate governance, licensing transactions, and employment law functions while providing expert legal guidance on complex business matters. The ideal candidate will combine deep legal expertise with business acumen to support Zevra's continued growth and success.
What You'll Do
Corporate Governance
- Lead corporate governance programs and practices, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations, Nasdaq listing requirements, and other applicable laws
- Oversee board and committee matters, including preparation of materials, meeting minutes, and follow-up actions
- Assist with managing corporate secretary functions and maintaining corporate records
- Develop and implement governance policies and procedures
- Advise on corporate compliance programs and risk management
- Ensure timely and accurate SEC filings and disclosures
Business Development and Licensing Matters
- Lead legal aspects of business development initiatives, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships
- Conduct and manage due diligence processes for potential collaborations and licensing opportunities
- Structure, negotiate, and draft complex transaction and licensing documents
- Coordinate with outside counsel on transactional and licensing matters
- Advise on the implementation of business development agreements
- Identify and mitigate legal risks in potential business arrangements
Additional Responsibilities
Employment Law & HR Support
- Provide guidance on employment-related matters, as needed
- Review employment policies and procedures
- Advise on equity programs and compensation matters
- Support HR leadership on complex employment issues
General Legal Oversight
- Help manage the legal department budget and resources
- Develop and maintain relationships with outside counsel
- Identify and implement process improvements and best practices
- Provide training to business teams on relevant legal topics
- Stay current on legal developments affecting the company
Qualifications
- JD from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
- 12+ years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years of leadership experience
- Active membership in state bar (Massachusetts bar membership preferred or willingness to obtain)
- Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry is strongly preferred
- Public company experience required
- Business development and licensing transaction experience required
Knowledge And Skills
- Expert knowledge of corporate and securities laws, SEC regulations, and corporate governance
- Strong understanding of business development, licensing processes and transaction structures
- Working knowledge of employment laws and HR practices
- Experience managing outside counsel relationships and legal budgets
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk-assessment skills
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Collaborative leadership style with an ability to influence across all levels of the organization
