Associate Director, Congress and Medical Education Strategy & Execution
The Associate Director, Congress and Medical Education Strategy & Execution is responsible for executing and contributing to the global medical strategy and tactical implementation for congresses and medical education, and supporting Otsuka's non-promotional scientific communication initiatives across the diverse Rare Disease portfolio.
This role leads scientific engagement through impactful congress planning & execution educational programs, and evidence-based content that support Otsuka's mission to improve patient outcomes through deep scientific understanding and collaborative partnerships.
The Associate Director partners closely with global and regional cross-functional stakeholders including Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation (GIE&I) and Commercial, to ensure scientific alignment, operational excellence and consistency in Otsuka's external scientific exchange.
Key Responsibilities Include :
- Manage execution and contribute to the development of comprehensive multi-year medical congress strategy for the relevant therapeutic area aligned with Otsuka's pipeline and product lifecycle stages (e.g., establishing and developing an emerging portfolio), including prioritization of key international and regional congresses, scientific communication objectives, symposia, booth presence, and internal / external engagement activities
- Collaborate with Medical Strategy, Medical Communications, Field Medical and Medical Information to develop high-quality, scientifically rigorous presentation and materials; ensuring data dissemination plans are timely, consistent, and strategically aligned
- Support scientific communication planning across global and regional teams to ensure consistent, data-driven communication objectives across congress activities
- Partner with Medical Communications to coordinate Otsuka's scientific presence at congresses, including :
Abstract submissions and poster presentations
Oral presentations and late-breaking sessionsSponsored symposia and educational sessionsMedical booth design and operationsPress activities and medical engagementSupport planning and execution of engagement with external experts and stakeholders (e.g. KOLs, Patient Advocacy Groups) before during and after congressesOrganize and facilitate investigator meetings and advisory boards in conjunction with congressCoordinate opportunities for scientific exchange between Otsuka Medical Affairs personnel and external experts and stakeholdersManage end-to-end aspects of congress planning activities and post-congress insight generation to maximize impact and inform future strategiesImplement innovative digital strategies to extend congress reach and engagement, including virtual and hybrid congress solutionsEstablish KPIs for congress activities and implement systems to track and analyze performanceConduct post-congress analysis to assess impact and identify areas for improvementIndependent Medical Education (IME)
Develop and implement the global medical education strategy for relevant therapeutic area in alignment with medical and objectives and strategyOversee the development of scientific exchange platforms, independent medical education (IME) initiatives to elevate disease and product knowledge globallyPartner with regional and local teams to ensure educational programs address unmet needs and comply with regional regulations and global standardsIdentify, evaluate, and partner with external experts, medical societies and educational providers to ensure high-quality, unbiased scientific content deliveryMonitor educational impact through KPIs, metrics and insightsCross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key contributor and subject matter expert for the relevant therapeutic area medical education and congress activitiesCollaborate with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation (GIE&I), Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure scientific alignment and appropriate integration of new evidence into educational contentProvide guidance and mentorship to team members and vendors to ensure high standards of scientific integrity, external experts and stakeholder (e.g., KOL) experience and operational excellenceCreate and manage congress budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI and ensure compliant use of medical education and congress fundingRepresent Global Medical Affairs in governance forums and cross-functional planning meetingsEnsure all congress and medical education activities comply with global and local regulatory requirements, Otsuka policies, data publication embargos and industry codesProactively identify and mitigate risks related to scientific exchange and external engagements based on Global Medical Affairs policies and SOPsConsider technology and AI to support workflow improvementQualifications
Education and Experience :
Advanced scientific or medical degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent) preferredExtensive experience working within relevant therapeutic area, including engagement with specialized HCPs and evidence generation strategiesAdditional business or communications training (MBA, MPH, etc.) preferred12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs; ~5 years focused on congress strategy and execution is preferredProven success managing matrixed & cross-functional global teams and external vendorsDemonstrated experience leading global congress strategy, IME programs, or scientific engagementProven track record of successful congress planning and implementation on a global scale including implementation of digital and virtual congress solutionsIn-depth understanding of industry compliance, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations for scientific engagementSkills and Competencies :
Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to translate complex science for a variety of audiences and anticipate trends and shape proactive congress and educational strategiesExcellent project management, communication (written and verbal), and stakeholder engagement skillsCollaborative and communicative, with ability excel at building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and experts (e.g. KOLs, scientific)Financial acumen and experience managing large program budgetAbility to influence across matrixed teams and drive strategic initiativesCompetencies :
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.
Company 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.
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