Associate Director, Patient Marketing

Xenon Pharmaceuticals • Needham, MA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Associate Director, Patient Marketing, to contribute to strategic and operational patient-focused marketing initiatives for the launch and growth of a novel epilepsy therapy. This individual contributor will develop and execute integrated patient marketing strategies that support disease awareness, patient education, adoption, and long-term engagement. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution of patient-facing campaigns, educational resources, digital initiatives, and advocacy partnerships, ensuring the patient and caregiver perspective is incorporated throughout brand strategy and the treatment experience.

The position works cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Advocacy, Market Access, Commercial Operations, Legal, Regulatory, Sales leadership, HCP marketing colleagues, and external agency partners. It reports to the Senior Director, Patient Marketing. The role is based at Xenon’s Needham, Massachusetts office, with remote locations considered for exceptional candidates. Hybrid positions require at least two onsite days per week. Position level will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience. Some international travel may be required.

Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate degree.
• At least 8 years of relevant management experience or a combination of degrees and experience.
• At least 7 years of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or consumer health marketing experience.
• At least 3 years of experience developing patient-focused marketing strategies and campaigns.
• Experience supporting product launches and commercialization activities.
• Demonstrated success managing agencies, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree such as an MBA, MPH, or related field.
• Experience in neurology, epilepsy, CNS, rare disease, specialty pharmaceuticals, or orphan drugs.
• Experience working with patient advocacy organizations and community stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of patient support programs and patient engagement strategies.
• Experience with digital marketing, CRM platforms, social media, and omnichannel engagement approaches.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing and executing patient marketing strategy aligned with brand objectives and launch milestones.
• Identify barriers, unmet needs, and engagement opportunities throughout diagnosis, treatment initiation, and long-term disease management.
• Translate patient and caregiver insights into actionable marketing strategies and programs.
• Partner with market research and analytics teams to measure patient attitudes, behaviors, and campaign effectiveness.
• Advocate internally for patient-centricity in brand planning and commercialization.
• Design and implement patient-facing campaigns that increase disease awareness, treatment understanding, and brand engagement.
• Develop educational resources and support materials for patients, caregivers, and families affected by epilepsy.
• Lead branded and unbranded marketing initiatives across digital, social, print, video, and experiential channels.
• Manage content strategy and execution for patient websites, CRM programs, email campaigns, and other digital engagement platforms.
• Oversee agencies responsible for creative development, media planning, content production, and campaign execution.
• Support pre-launch, launch, and post-launch planning for a novel epilepsy therapy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to execute patient initiatives in line with launch timelines.
• Develop launch materials and activation plans to drive awareness and engagement among patients and caregivers.
• Identify innovative channels and approaches to accelerate patient education and activation.
• Build and maintain relationships with patient advocacy organizations and epilepsy community stakeholders.
• Partner with advocacy teams to identify opportunities for education, awareness, and patient support programs.
• Incorporate patient perspectives into strategic planning and program development.
• Support patient ambassador and testimonial programs in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Legal, Market Access, Commercial Operations, and Sales leadership on compliant, impactful initiatives.
• Collaborate with HCP marketing colleagues to align customer-facing strategies.
• Manage agencies, oversee budgets, and prioritize projects to achieve business objectives.
• Define and monitor KPIs, analyze campaign performance and patient engagement metrics, and optimize marketing investments.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to brand leadership.
• Develop and propose short- and long-term functional objectives in line with company strategies and plans.
• Act in accordance with company policies and, where applicable, ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned; some international travel may be required.

Benefits

• Base salary, target bonus, and stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Travel insurance.
• Retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Vacation, personal days, and sick days.
• End-of-year company shutdown.
• Training, Learning & Development program.
• Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director