Senior Director, Medical Communications CNS

Senior Director, Medical Communications, CNSThe Senior Director, Medical Communications, CNS directs and provides strategic leadership for the global and US scientific communication strategy for the assigned Central Nervous System (CNS) therapeutic area and product portfolio. This includes directing the development and dissemination of all core scientific and medical content to ensure scientific accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the overall CNS Medical Affairs strategy. The role is a key leadership position within the CNS Business Unit (BU) Medical Affairs team, influencing and engaging internal stakeholders, external experts, and the broader scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

Global Scientific Communication Strategy: Define, direct, and oversee a comprehensive medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the CNS portfolio aligned to the overall medical strategy. Collaborate with the CNS Medical BU Lead and cross-functional teams to ensure global and US alignment. Shape the scientific narrative for the therapeutic area, ensuring consistency across publications, congresses, and external engagements. Drive innovation in how scientific data is communicated, including digital transformation and real-time engagement models.

Content Development Oversight: Provide executive oversight for and ensure the strategic alignment of all CNS medical affairs communication materials, including but not limited to Scientific Communications Platform (SCP), Global Publications Strategy, Global Medical Publications Plan, Core Disease State Deck, Core Field Materials, Medical Publications, Integrated Medical Communications Planning, New Data Reporting, Medical Information Content Generation. Publications Strategy: Direct strategic vision and ensure execution of the global publication plan for CNS assets, ensuring successful presentation of clinical data at major international congresses and in peer-reviewed journals. Direct agency and vendor relationships to deliver high quality publication deliverables. Congress Planning: Set strategic priorities for congress participation and direct the planning and execution of Medical Affairs activities at major scientific congresses (e.g., booth content, symposia, internal debriefs).

Ensure coordinated scientific messaging and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations (ME&O) roles. Medical Information Content Generation: Oversee the creation, review, and approval of high-quality medical information content, including standard response letters, FAQs, global core content, and scientific response documents. Ensure all content is scientifically accurate, evidence-based, and compliant with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial teams to ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across channels.

Drive the development and implementation of content governance frameworks, version control processes, and global-to-local adaptation strategies. Manage external vendors and medical writing agencies to ensure timely and high-quality content delivery. Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of medical writers, content strategists, and reviewers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Monitor and analyze content performance and stakeholder feedback to inform future content strategy and optimization.

Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement. Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a thought leader and senior advisor on core CNS team meetings, aligning communication plans with CNS BU Medical Strategy and influencing enterprise-wide decisions. Partner closely with the US Field Medical Affairs Lead to ensure the field medical team is equipped with scientifically accurate, consistent, and compliant content aligned to US strategy. Support launch readiness for new indications or pipeline assets, including data dissemination and stakeholder education.

Ensure all communication activities adhere to relevant company SOPs, GPP (Good Publication Practices), ICMJE guidelines, and global regulatory/legal requirements, establishing governance frameworks to ensure compliance across the function.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Advanced scientific degree is required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent) with a strong understanding of clinical development and medical science, preferably in Neuroscience or a related CNS field. Minimum of 10 years of experience in Medical Affairs, Medical Communications, or Publication Planning within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience directing, developing, and providing executive leadership to a team of direct reports within a global communications function. Demonstrated track record of defining and directing enterprise-level global and/or US communication strategies for a marketed or late-stage development product, preferably in CNS therapeutic areas.

Proven experience in managing complex budgets, directing large-scale initiatives, shaping workforce planning, and managing agency and vendor relationships on a global scale. Previous experience overseeing or leading medical information groups is a plus.

Skills

and Competencies: Strong leadership and delegation skills, ability to manage performance, and foster a culture of scientific excellence and accountability at the departmental and cross-functional level. Superior skills in translating long-term business and clinical goals into actionable, measurable, and integrated medical communication strategies that influence enterprise-level decision-making. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, set clear priorities, and direct organizational processes to ensure operational excellence across varied functional responsibilities (publications, content, congress). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and align senior leadership on complex scientific and strategic priorities while engaging cross-functional partners.

Competencies:Accountability for Results: Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity: Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication: Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect.

Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration: Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development: Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative. Minimum $225,490.00 - Maximum $337,180.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States.

Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate's job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws. Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits. Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability.

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