Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. is hiring: Senior Director, Medical Communications, Ne

Job Summary

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 (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 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.

Job Description

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 (developed by the medical strategy team)
• Collaborate with the Nephrology & Immunology BU Lead and cross-functional teams (e.g., Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial) 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, 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 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 (e.g., booth content, symposia, internal debriefs)
• Ensure coordinated scientific communication objectives and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations (ME&O) 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, establishing governance frameworks to ensure compliance across the function
• 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