Executive Director, Patents

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an accomplished and highly strategic patent attorney to lead intellectual property strategy for our patent portfolio. This role is designed for a senior expert who can operate at the intersection of sophisticated patent prosecution and patent disputes within one of the most competitive areas in oncology.

Reporting to the VP of IP, this individual will serve as our patent portfolio lead, with responsibility for developing and integrating global prosecution and challenge (both offensive and defensive) strategies. The role will function as a key strategic partner to the VP and a trusted advisor to senior leadership, with a primary focus on strengthening the durability and value of company assets worldwide, anticipating competitive threats, and identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

This position may include management responsibility for members of the IP team, such as those handling patent prosecution. However, people management is not required for success in the role; the emphasis is on strategic leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end IP strategy for our complex patent portfolio, carefully integrating global prosecution and third-party considerations into a cohesive and forward-looking approach.

• Develop and oversee execution of advanced and creative patent prosecution strategies, including incorporation of competitive considerations, to maximize innovation protection.

• Thoughtfully embed dispute-readiness into prosecution strategy, including drafting and amendment approaches designed to withstand post-grant proceedings and litigation.

• Play a central role in third-party challenges and challenge preparation, both offensively and defensively, while coordinating with outside counsel, including European oppositions and appeals, US post-grant proceedings (IPRs, PGRs), and litigation (e.g., US, Europe, China).

• Partner with the VP of IP on broader portfolio-level prioritization and risk assessment, while maintaining primary ownership of patent strategy.

• Drive competitor intelligence efforts and freedom-to-operate analyses, translating insights into actionable IP strategies.

• Identify gaps, risks, and whitespace opportunities across composition of matter, manufacturing, and method of use innovations, and ensure coordinated coverage and prosecution.

• Collaborate closely with internal subject matter leads and, where appropriate, provide mentorship or direct management to team members aligned with patent workstreams.

• Review manuscripts, presentations, press releases, corporate disclosures and other publication materials for clearance.

• Proactively communicate opportunities, strategies, risks and progress updates to senior leadership.

• Support business development, due diligence, and executive-level discussions as a subject matter expert in asset IP.

• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, clearly communicating complex IP risks, trade-offs, and strategic options to inform business decisions.

• Manage and direct outside counsel globally to efficiently deliver high-quality, strategically aligned work product.

Required Skills, Experience and Education:

• J.D. from an accredited US law school and member in good standing of a US State Bar.

• Degree in a life science discipline required; advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or similar strongly preferred.

• Registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.

• 15+ years of patent experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech sector, with significant in-house experience within a pharmaceutical/biotech company.

• Deep and creative expertise in small molecule patent prosecution, including assessing obviousness-type double patenting risks and lifecycle strategy.

• Significant experience with patent disputes, including oppositions, IPRs/PGRs, and/or litigation.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate prosecution and dispute strategies into a cohesive, forward-looking IP approach.

• Strong understanding of global patent systems.

• Demonstrated successful experience advising senior management on complex IP issues, including risk assessment and strategic decision-making.

• Ability to operate as a senior individual contributor and strategic leader, with or without formal people management responsibilities.

• Excellent judgment, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Collaborative, flexible, positive and pragmatic work style.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in oncology and/or RAS biology.

• Advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or similar.

• Global therapeutic launch experience or commercial product experience.

• Track record of managing or influencing complex, high-value patent estates under significant competitive pressure.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $315,000 to $362,000 for candidates working onsite at our headquarters in Redwood City, CA. The range displayed on each job posting is intended to be the salary for an individual working onsite in Redwood City and will be adjusted for the local market a candidate is based in. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, market dynamics, and relevant education or training.

Please note that base salary is one part of the overall total rewards program at RevMed, which includes competitive cash compensation, robust equity awards, strong benefits, and significant learning and development opportunities.

Revolution Medicines is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and veteran status.

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