Director, Medical Communications - Rare Disease

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

24d

About The Position

The 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 (e.g., global slide decks, congress abstracts/presentations, publications, medical information, and medical education materials) 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.

Requirements

• Advanced 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
• Strong 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience overseeing or leading medical information groups is a plus

Responsibilities

• Global Scientific Communication Strategy Lead and oversee the execution of a comprehensive medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the Rare Disease portfolio aligned to the overall medical strategy (developed by the medical strategy team)
• Collaborate with the Rare Disease Medical BU Lead and cross-functional teams (e.g., Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial) 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
• Provide oversight for and 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
• Direct 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
• Set 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 coordination of scientific communication objectives and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations (ME&O) roles
• Act 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees