Director, Strategic Engagement, Rheumatology

Zenas BioPharma•Waltham, MA

11h•$187,200 - $234,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas is advancing two late-stage, potential franchise molecules, obexelimab and orelabrutinib. Obexelimab, Zenas’ lead product candidate, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. We believe that obexelimab’s unique mechanism of action and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen may broadly and effectively address the pathogenic role of B cell lineage in chronic autoimmune disease. Orelabrutinib is a potentially best-in-class, highly selective CNS-penetrant, oral, small molecule Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor with the potential to address compartmentalized inflammation and disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Zenas’ earlier stage programs include ZB021, a clinical-stage, potentially best-in-class, oral, IL-17AA/AF inhibitor; ZB022, a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, brain-penetrant, TYK2 inhibitor; and ZB014, a preclinical half-life extended anti-CD-19 and FcγRIIb monoclonal antibody. We are seeking top talent who share our commitment to patients and have a track record of success in acquiring, developing and commercializing products across the globe. Our colleagues have an opportunity to engage in a fast-paced learning environment and experience individual and organizational success as we work towards becoming a global immunology and autoimmune disease leader, while living our values of Transparency, Relationships, Urgency, Excellence and Innovation – TRUE Innovation! Position Summary: Zenas is seeking a passionate and talented individual for the role of Strategic Engagement Director (SED), Rheumatology. The SED is a field-based role that will be responsible for building and nurturing strategy with US KOLs. This role will be critical in helping us understand the dynamics of the Rheumatology community, obtaining insights that help advance educational offerings by Zenas, and will ultimately help build advocacy among the treater community – as well as galvanizing focus and collaboration internally on KOL engagement. It is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant impact for HCPs and the company. This position will report to the Senior Director, Strategic Engagement.

Requirements

BS/BA degree
10 + years of biotech/pharma experience
Experience in Rheumatology is a must; experience in rare diseases is a plus
Experience in sales or customer-facing roles is preferred
Proven ability to develop productive relationships with physicians and other Healthcare Professionals
Have a mindset of growth and change. Actively embrace the current environment as one that demands new approaches and ways of meeting team goals in a compliant way. Throw away the old playbooks and be willing to learn and adjust along the way
Proactively spot issues on the team or in the business and strive to solve them rapidly. Be the first person to make a business plan for how to address issues and build a coalition around those solutions to make them happen
Proactively think of alternative solutions to achieve the desired results when faced with roadblocks
Effuse a strong commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs, as well as to maintaining close relationships with front-line employees
Sees patterns or connections between situations; can envision and articulate possibilities and likelihoods.
Consistently demonstrate integrity on the job, including an understanding of relevant rules and regulations
Develop collegial relationships with cross-functional partners but be comfortable holding them accountable. Bring together cross-functional and field leaders to establish a shared vision for shared work
Ability to lead a cross-functional team, gain alignment across functions with different objectives and priorities, and manage cross-functional execution of engagement plans
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and varying levels of the organization
Ability to responsibly manage budgets for their individual projects
Navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, data- and results-driven environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in rare diseases is a plus

Responsibilities

Create and manage US Commercial engagement plans for leading US KOLs, inclusive of establishing commercial engagement objectives and measurement against goals.
Establish and nurture relationships with US KOLs nationally. Support KOL engagements with the US Commercial Team, Senior Leadership and Executive Committee throughout the year and at congresses
Partner closely with KOLs and treating physicians to identify and refine peer-to-peer program offerings to ensure they are resonant with key customers
Once a product is approved, maintain the promotional speaker bureau – identify and recruit potential speakers, train speakers on approved promotional slide decks, partner with HCP marketing team on planning the annual speaker training event, and assist speakers with completion of annual compliance training
Partner with HCP marketing team on the execution of commercial HCP advisory boards: help identify appropriate advisors based on objectives and agenda and provide input into meeting objectives and content
Partner with HCP marketing team on content development for peer to peer engagements by providing input on speaker programs, and congress symposia
Build and nurture strong, positive relationships with key cross-functional partners, including medical affairs and field teams