Senior Director, CNS Communications

Job Summary

The Senior Director, CNS Communications, is the senior strategic communications lead for all external and internal communications for the CNS therapeutic area (TA), product and pipeline. The responsibilities will include Otsuka’s currently marketed products, future label expansions as well as investigational pipeline. The Senior Director is expected to own and deliver a seamless strategy that positions the story of Otsuka’s commitment in the TA from development to launch. This work will require the integration of leadership perspectives from across Commercial and R&D with a real-time understanding of the environmental opportunities and challenges and a clear connection to the business objectives while maintaining the integrity of the corporate brand.

This role, reporting to the VP, Corporate Affairs, will be a member of the leadership team for Corporate Affairs, share an in-depth understanding of the business needs and priorities and be able to inform and leverage the work of other CA colleagues in Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Public Policy, and Alliance Development. This leader will serve as an engaged advisor and thought partner to Commercial and R&D leadership specific to communications strategy and tactics needed across the portfolio.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successful product launch or new indication launch experience in the pharmaceutical industry (CNS TA experience is a plus), strong business and media acumen, outstanding writing and editing skills, experience integrating TA communications and corporate communications and a proven ability to work cross-functionally.

Job Description

Develop and maintain thorough scientific and industry / trend knowledge of CNS therapeutic area along with Otsuka’s products and competitors as well as a general understanding of important topics including clinical trial design, drug development, regulatory decision making and public policy.

Responsible for comprehensive communications strategy and execution for innovative treatments in the CNS therapeutic area including in-line commercial branded products and unbranded disease education programs, as well as planning around key data announcements, regulatory milestones and launch planning for late-stage pipeline candidates.

Maintain in-depth knowledge of brands, including strategic imperatives, media landscape, patient, caregiver and HCP needs, competitive intelligence, and will apply this deep understanding to communications strategy and

Serve as the most senior communications advisor to leaders in Commercial and Brand, Medical Affairs, Clinical Development and Portfolio Strategy regarding strategic TA, product and pipeline communications strategies.

Enable alignment across Commercial and R&D on a strategic communications plan for products and future development that anchors Otsuka’s portfolio and will drive future growth.

Play a critical role in shaping Otsuka’s narrative and positioning as a member of the internal TA Core Team and with Early Development Teams, Product Development Committees, Publications Planning teams and Launch teams to help inform strategy, shape the environment, develop proactive communications plans and oversee execution.

Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues in Medical Affairs, Commercial and Patient Advocacy on and accountable for communications strategy and execution at relevant Congresses and other externally facing events such as FDA Advisory Committees, Scientific Meetings and Conferences.

Responsible for building, developing and leading a high-performance team over time needed to support the business in this therapeutic area. Skilled at leading through a matrix structure that enables successful communications strategy across R&D and Commercial teams that supports the corporate business objectives.

Serve as a key member of the Corporate Affairs leadership team along with senior leaders in Government Affairs, public policy and alliance development to coordinate and deliver one voice for the seamless corporate affairs support for the business. Ensure, along with senior corporate communications lead to ensure visibility, alignment and connectivity of therapeutic area, product and pipeline communications strategies with corporate or enterprise communications efforts.

Coordinate product and pipeline news with Otsuka colleagues in Japan, with Otsuka affiliate companies in North America and Europe, and with third-party partner pharma companies and biotechs to ensure aligned global product messaging and approach to key milestones.

Responsible for overseeing work with U.S. PR agency, to produce high-quality deliverables that are both on time and on budget; Manage overall activities, resourcing and account budgets for the communications agency.

Represent CNS communications in contributing to the annual and longer term Integrated Strategic planning for brand and pipeline teams and shape cross-CA annual and longer-term strategic plans.

Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of communications programs to position Otsuka’s products in competitive environments and demonstrate results to product functional teams, franchise leaders and the senior executive team.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related industry required. Masters-level degree preferred.

Minimum of 15 years working in a pharmaceutical brand communications or related role with broad communications experience and expertise in product communications, launch preparation and media relations is required.

Thorough knowledge of, and demonstrated success, in managing communications programs in the healthcare or heavily regulated industry.

Demonstrated effective time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively or as an independent contributor in a highly matrixed environment to manage multiple assignments simultaneously are a must.

Ability to influence across the organization guided by enterprise objectives.

Strong analytical skills and business sense required.

Exceptional written and presentation skills.

Strategic, creative, and collaborative approach to communications and program development.

Ability to learn the company's products, clinical development, commercialization strategy, the competition, and the pharmaceutical industry in general.

Familiarity with clinical data and milestone reporting.

Skilled in managing and influencing people in varying cultural settings.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in CNS disease areas including mental illness and neurodegenerative disorders

Relevant experience at a PR agency or in-house at another company is preferred.

Travel Requirements

Willing to travel up to 10-20% of time