Director, Product & Portfolio Communications, Nephrology, Immunology & Rare Diseases

Director, Product and Portfolio Communications, Nephrology, Immunology & Rare Diseases

The Director of Product and Portfolio Communications will support the growing Nephrology, Immunology & Rare Disease franchise by shaping and executing the product and portfolio communication strategy from development through launch and life cycle management. This leader views communications as a strategic driver and enabler of the business, ensures clarity and momentum for key priorities and innovation opportunities, facilitates cross-functional collaboration, and advances high-impact strategic initiatives that support franchise objectives, accelerating growth. This role will create a communications strategy that builds visibility and awareness of the franchise, equity in Otsuka's Nephrology, Immunology and Rare Disease commitments, and engagement across external stakeholders and internal teams. This individual will drive programming that highlights the value and impact of our products for patients, providers, and the healthcare system, while raising awareness with our stakeholders of the science, innovation, depth and ambition of our pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the development and execution of comprehensive US and global external and internal communications strategies for products and pipeline assets across the lifecycle, including pre-launch, launch and post-launch phases that advance business goals for the growing Immunology, Nephrology and Rare Disease franchise.
• Provides strategic leadership in the creation and implementation of impactful communication programs across current and future indications, including approval and launch preparation across new potential indications.
• Leads communication planning for key product milestones such as launches, clinical trial readouts, regulatory milestones and business development announcements and multi-channel content creation, including press releases, web content, FAQs, social media, video, and thought leader assets.
• Create and execute branded and unbranded disease state education campaigns and shapes differentiated product and pipeline narratives that clearly articulate scientific value, unmet need, and patient need.
• Partner with cross functional stakeholders in highly matrixed environment to support integrated communications strategies and plans that bolster business objectives, including data communications, regulatory milestones launch preparedness and issues management.
• Collaborate cross functionally to support market shaping, drive positioning to support access, monitor for and adapt to dynamic competitive landscape, and proactively identify opportunities to build and strengthen Otsuka's reputation in Immunology, Nephrology and Rare Diseases.
• Possess exceptional strategic writing and editorial skills, and the ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and clinical concepts into clear, compelling narratives tailored for diverse audiences patients, providers, employees, media and influencers.
• Maximize awareness and impact of milestones among external and internal stakeholders through consistency and clarity of communication across channels.
• Instill analytical rigor across communications, implementing a metrics driven approach that uses data and insights, clear KPIs to measure impact, and continuously evolve strategy based on insights and outcomes.
• Manage agency partners, communication budgets, and internal resources to deliver high-impact, timely results

Knowledge, Skills and Functional Competencies:

• Leadership driving product and franchise strategy focusing specifically where communications can deliver value with clear and specific tactics.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate an asset in a crowded marketplace based on the value that it brings to patients and the community.
• Proven experience managing regulatory milestones, crafting strategic campaigns, editorial content, and development of thought leadership platforms.
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging across audiences and platforms.
• Strong oral communications skills and the ability to convey complex ideas.
• Expertise in communications concepts, practices, strategies and tactics, specifically good command of digitalization of communications, based on understanding of key audiences that align with franchise objectives.
• Established relationships with relevant media contacts as demonstrated through a track record of successful media relations and communications campaigns.
• Strong understanding of media relations and external affairs industry topics.
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative insights to inform communications strategies and measure impact.
• Strategic thinker and execution focused leader who is proactive, agile, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Strong ability to work effectively across functions and levels as a proven and dedicated collaborator.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality and timely work product.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing agencies and vendors.
• Proactive, self-starter and able to work independently and in team environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Health, Business, Journalism, Life Sciences or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience working in product, portfolio, corporate communications, public relations within healthcare, biotech, or diagnostics.
• Strong business acumen and deep expertise leading integrated communications strategy, planning and execution for a product launch, early pipeline assets and/or scientific communications in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry with an expertise in Immunology, Nephrology, or Rare Diseases.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing communications for a global pharmaceutical company.
• Strong grasp of healthcare industry dynamics and ability to navigate communications around clinical data, regulatory milestones, value and patient impact.
• Proven ability to collaborate across internal team and senior leaders in a highly matrixed organization, and to engage confidently to drive communication-related initiatives, delivering complex initiatives aligned with shared goals.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, enabling effective collaboration across a global organization.
• Must be within a commutable distance of Princeton, NJ or Rockville, MD, or willing to relocate, as this is a hybrid based role.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%

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.