Director, Medical Communications

Director, Medical CommunicationsThe Director, Medical Communications directs leads and manages the execution of the global and US scientific communication for the global and US scientific communication strategy for the assigned Rare Disease therapeutic area and product portfolio. This includes directing the development and dissemination of core scientific and medical content within the Rare Disease portfolio to ensure scientific accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the overall Rare Disease Medical Affairs strategy. The role is a key leadership position within the Rare Disease Business Unit (BU) Medical Affairs team, engaging a small team of internal stakeholders, external experts, and the broader scientific community. The role reports directly into the Senior Director, Rare Disease Business Unit Lead.Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Scientific Communication StrategyLead and oversee the execution of a comprehensive medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the Rare Disease portfolio aligned to the overall medical strategy.Collaborate with the Rare Disease Medical BU Lead and cross-functional teams to ensure global and US alignment.Contribute to shaping 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 OversightProvide oversight for and ensure the strategic alignment of all Rare Disease medical affairs communication materials.Ensure the strategic alignment of all Rare Disease 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 StrategyDirect strategic vision and ensure execution of the global publication plan for Rare Disease 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 PlanningSet priorities for congress participation and direct the planning and execution of Medical Affairs activities at major scientific congresses.Ensure coordination of scientific communication objectives and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations (ME&O) roles.Cross-Functional LeadershipAct as a thought leader and advisor on core Rare Disease team meetings, aligning communication plans with Rare Disease BU Medical Strategy and supporting cross-functional decision-making.Partner closely with the US Field Medical Affairs Lead to ensure the global 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.Collaborate effectively with global colleagues by demonstrating cultural awareness, understanding regional regulations, and adapting communication and engagement strategies to foster strong cross-border partnerships.Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement.QualificationsEducation and ExperienceAdvanced scientific degree is required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent) with a strong understanding of clinical development and medical science, preferably in Rare Disease or a related 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 leading, developing, and managing a team of direct reports within a global communications function.Demonstrated track record of leading and executing global and/or US communication strategies for a marketed or late-stage development product, preferably in Rare Disease therapeutic areas.Proven experience in managing complex budgets, leading large-scale initiatives and managing agency and vendor relationships across global or regional projects.Previous experience overseeing or leading medical information groups is a plus.Skills and CompetenciesStrong ability to present to executive leadership team.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 drive cross-functional alignment and measurable outcomes.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.CompetenciesAccountability 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.Salary Range: Minimum $183,335.00 - Maximum $274,160.00, 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. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request (EEAccommodations@otsuka-us.com).Statement Regarding Job Recruiting Fraud Scams: At Otsuka we take security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please be aware individuals may approach you and falsely present themselves as our employees or representatives. They may use this false pretense to try to gain access to your personal information or acquire money from you by offering fictitious employment opportunities purportedly on our behalf. Please understand, Otsuka will never ask for financial information of any kind or for payment of money during the job application process. We do not require any financial, credit card or bank account information and/or any payment of any kind to be considered for employment. We will also not offer you money to buy equipment, software, or for any other purpose during the job application process. If you are being asked to pay or offered money for equipment fees or some other application processing fee, even if claimed you will be reimbursed, this is not Otsuka. These claims are fraudulent and you are strongly advised to exercise caution when you receive such an offer of employment. Otsuka will also never ask you to download a third-party application in order to communicate about a legitimate job opportunity. Scammers may also send offers or claims from a fake email address or from Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc, and not from an official Otsuka email address. Please take extra caution while examining such an email address, as the scammers may misspell an official Otsuka email address and use a slightly modified version duplicating letters. To ensure that you are communicating about a legitimate job opportunity at Otsuka, please only deal directly with Otsuka through its official Otsuka Career website https://vhr-otsuka.wd1.my