National Account Director

About Capricor Therapeutics

Capricor Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering cell and exosome-based treatments for rare diseases. Their lead product, Deramiocel (CAP-1002), is in late-stage development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Utilizing their proprietary StealthX™ exosome platform, the company is advancing targeted delivery and vaccine technologies, aiming to create groundbreaking therapies for patients with critical needs.

Role Overview

The National Account Director will be responsible for developing and executing payer access and coverage strategies for assigned national and regional commercial payers, PBMs, Medicaid, Medicare, and integrated delivery networks. This position focuses on securing coverage and reimbursement for Deramiocel, Capricor's lead cell therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The role cooperates closely with teams across Market Access, Trade & Patient Services, Medical Affairs, HEOR, Sales, and Patient Advocacy to convert the therapy's value proposition into actionable coverage decisions and medical policies that ensure equitable and timely patient access within the complex medical-benefit environment for high-cost, rare-disease treatments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement access and coverage plans for designated national and regional payers, PBMs, and integrated delivery networks, aligning with Capricor’s launch objectives.
• Conduct value-driven clinical, health economics, outcomes research (HEOR), and budget impact discussions with medical and pharmacy directors, P&T committees, and policy teams to shape medical policy decisions.
• Navigate the unique reimbursement pathways associated with infused cell therapies, including buy-and-bill, medical-benefit coverage, and specialty pharmacy channels.
• Collaborate with Market Access leadership on pricing and contracting strategies suitable for rare-disease cell therapy economics.
• Manage account-level negotiations involving coverage, coding, utilization management, and contracts in coordination with Market Access leadership.
• Establish and sustain senior-level relationships with payer leadership within assigned accounts.
• Deliver compelling, compliant presentations highlighting clinical evidence, economic value, and patient benefits using materials such as AMCP dossiers and value decks.
• Monitor and report on coverage policies, medical policy updates, and utilization management changes; identify risks and opportunities promptly.
• Profile payer accounts, create detailed business plans, and execute strategies with principal payer and customer accounts.
• Set account-specific access goals and productivity measures, ensuring the annual creation and execution of account plans.
• Coordinate internally with Trade & Patient Services to facilitate coverage navigation, prior authorizations, and case management for patients in assigned regions.
• Work alongside Sales, Medical Affairs, and MSLs to align account engagement with overall commercial and scientific activities while adhering to compliance guidelines.
• Provide structured payer intelligence and insights back to Market Access leadership to support pricing, contracting, and strategic positioning.
• Maintain accurate account plans, CRM updates, and reporting routines; actively participate in business reviews and launch readiness meetings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees such as MBA, PharmD, MPH, or related fields preferred.
• At least 10 years of U.S. Market Access experience within biotech or pharma, including over 5 years in a senior National Account Director or comparable payer-focused role.
• Proven track record securing coverage for high-cost specialty, rare disease, or cell/gene therapies within medical-benefit channels.
• Established senior relationships with national and regional commercial payers, PBMs, Medicaid, Medicare/MACs, and integrated delivery networks.
• Familiarity with buy-and-bill economics, specialty pharmacy distribution, J-code/HCPCS coding, prior authorization processes, and medical policy development.
• Strong analytical capability to interpret HEOR data, budget impact models, and value-based contracting.
• Executive presence with the capacity to operate independently with senior external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. product launches in rare disease or advanced therapy areas.
• Experience engaging with State and Managed Medicaid plans.
• Prior experience engaging payers for cell or gene therapies.
• History of working in pre-commercial or early commercial companies with limited infrastructure.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Skilled in vendor management and negotiation.
• Ability to thrive in fast-growing, rapidly changing environments.
• Exceptional accuracy and rigor in documentation.
• Influential team player able to lead cross-functional efforts without formal authority.

Work Environment & Travel

• Remote field-based role, with territory assigned at hiring.
• Frequent domestic travel, approximately 50-75%, for payer engagements, meetings, and industry conferences such as AMCP, Asembia, and PCMA.
• Occasional visits to Capricor’s San Diego headquarters around 2-3 times per quarter or as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary offered reflects Capricor’s estimate at the time of hire and will be adjusted based on experience, education, skills, certifications, scope, location, and internal equity. Eligible candidates may receive discretionary annual performance bonuses and long-term equity incentives as per company policy. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision coverage; company-paid life and AD&D insurance; a 401(k) plan with company matching; paid time off and holidays; and paid parental leave. Additional voluntary benefits and wellness programs may be available.

Recruitment Policies

Official recruitment communication will only occur from official company email addresses ending in @capricor.com. The company does not conduct interviews or any recruiting via Skype and will never request money, check deposits, equipment purchases, or payments during recruitment. Capricor does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from agencies without prior written consent.

Why Join Capricor?

Joining Capricor Therapeutics means being part of a mission-driven, collaborative team dedicated to scientific innovation and delivering transformative therapies to patients with serious diseases. The company values accountability, creativity, and dedication to impactful work.