Senior Director, Medical Communications, Nephrology & Immunology

Senior Director, Medical Communications, Nephrology & Immunology

The Senior Director, Medical Communications, Nephrology & Immunology directs and provides strategic leadership for the global scientific communication strategy for the assigned Nephrology & Immunology 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 Nephrology & Immunology Medical Affairs strategy. The role is a key leadership position within the Nephrology & Immunology Unit (BU) Medical Affairs team, influencing and engaging internal stakeholders, external experts, and the broader scientific community. The role reports directly into the Executive Director, Nephrology & Immunology Business Unit Lead.

Key Responsibilities

Global Scientific Communication Strategy

• Define, direct, and oversee a comprehensive medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the Nephrology & Immunology portfolio aligned to the overall medical strategy.
• Collaborate with the Nephrology & Immunology 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 Nephrology & Immunology medical affairs communication materials.
• Include but not limited to Scientific Communications Platform, Global Publications Strategy, Global Medical Publications Plan, Core Disease State Deck, Core Field Materials, Medical Publications, Integrated Medical Communications Planning, New Data Reporting, and Medical Information Content Generation.

Publications Strategy

• Direct strategic vision and ensure execution of the global publication plan for Nephrology & Immunology assets, ensuring successful presentation of clinical data at major international congresses and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Direct agency and vendor relationships to deliver publication deliverables.

Congress Planning

• Set strategic priorities for congress participation and direct the planning and execution of Medical Affairs activities at major scientific congresses.
• Ensure coordinated scientific communication objectives and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations roles.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a thought leader and senior advisor on core Nephrology & Immunology team meetings, aligning communication plans with Nephrology & Immunology BU Medical Strategy and influencing enterprise-wide decisions.
• Partner closely with the Global 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.
• Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement.
• Manage and mentor a team of medical writers and communication professionals, fostering excellence, innovation, and continuous development.

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 a Nephrology & Immunology 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 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 communication strategies for late-stage assets and an emerging portfolio, preferably in Nephrology & Immunology 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 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 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.
• Knowledge of digital platforms and tools for medical content delivery and engagement.

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.

Salary Range: $225,490.00 - $337,180.00, plus incentive opportunity.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits include 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.