Director/Senior Director, Commercial Counsel

About Axsome Therapeutics

Axsome Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) conditions. They deliver scientific breakthroughs by identifying critical gaps in care and developing differentiated products with a focus on novel mechanisms of action that enable meaningful advancements in patient outcomes. Their industry-leading neuroscience portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for major depressive disorder, agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine, as well as multiple novel product candidates addressing a broad range of serious neurological and psychiatric conditions impacting over 150 million people in the United States. Their mission is to solve some of the brain’s biggest problems so patients and their loved ones can flourish. For more information, please visit www.axsome.com and follow them on LinkedIn and X.

About This Role: Director/Senior Director, Commercial Counsel

Axsome Therapeutics is seeking a Director/Senior Director, Commercial Counsel to serve as a key business partner to functions involved in the commercialization of Axsome’s products. This role will also be a member of Axsome’s Promotional Review Committee, review and negotiate contracts, and collaborate with other members of the Legal & Compliance Team to ensure alignment and execution of the team’s mission and business goals. This position reports to an Executive Director, Legal, who reports to the General Counsel. This role is based at Axsome’s HQ in New York City with an on-site requirement of at least three days per week. Fully remote candidates cannot be considered.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Serve as brand attorney and legal business partner, providing legal advice and strategic guidance on a broad set of healthcare and general corporate matters in support of the Commercial department, including advising Marketing, Sales, Market Access, and other functions within the Commercial organization.
• Counsel on appropriate communications about our products and relationships with external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, academic institutions, and payors.
• Participate on the medical, legal, and regulatory review committees for promotional and medical materials, providing legal feedback on advertising, promotional, and educational materials submitted for review.
• Support the Market Access team by providing strategic legal counseling and contract review.
• Support the planning and execution of pre-launch and launch activities.
• Work with business unit personnel to review and negotiate a wide range of agreements.
• Stay informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the organization and assist with the development of policies and training as needed.
• Collaborate with other members of the Legal & Compliance Team to share knowledge and support the business.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school and admission to the New York Bar or the ability to obtain admission.
• 6-8+ years of legal experience in the pharmaceutical industry at a law firm and/or in an in-house legal department.
• Ability to work on-site Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Fully remote candidates cannot be considered.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Prior experience advising on pharmaceutical advertising and promotional matters at a law firm or as a member of an in-house legal department of a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, including participation in promotional and medical review processes.
• Strong base of knowledge and experience advising clients on laws and regulations governing the pharmaceutical industry, including FDA regulations, False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, OIG guidance, the PhRMA Code, state and federal data privacy laws, and product liability laws.
• Comfort serving on cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience supporting market access teams is preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

• The anticipated salary range for this role is $245,000 - $285,000. The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, internal equity, and location.
• Axsome offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, significant equity, and a generous benefits package.