Jobs and Careers

Associate Director, Thought Leader Liaison (Nephrology)

United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 10 Jun 2026

💰 $226,000/yr($185,000/yr – $226,000/yr)

About the role

Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients.

Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive.

We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director, Thought Leader Liaison role is a field-based position on the marketing team that will focus on thought leader identification, development, and engagement. The position will report to the Senior Director, Professional Strategy & Engagement.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute KOL engagement strategy by identifying, profiling, cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with KOLs in the field and at key congresses
Manage speaker’s bureau, congresses, and recommend faculty and advisors for advisory boards
Assist with thought leader development, including training and coaching of promotional speakers with approved slide decks and materials
Attend live and virtual HCP programming to observe, coach, and help the speaker where necessary to ensure compliant execution of content
Conduct business discussions with thought leaders relating to on-label product information, disease state, and general corporate overviews
Plan and execute strategic key thought leader engagements at local, regional, and national conferences
Gain and record insights from thought leaders and provide feedback – to enhance and optimize marketing strategies/tactics
Work with the Marketing team on new content creation and existing content updates, as well as new programing ideas
Collaborate with Commercial team on large group practice engagement
Work collaboratively with marketing, sales, medical affairs, and market access on strategic thought leader initiatives

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ work experience in healthcare/pharma/biotech
Experience working in nephrology required
Experience in a combination of one or more of the following areas: product marketing, field sales, sales leadership and/or thought leader engagement
Working knowledge of thought leader engagement practices and strong relationship management skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Self-driven and highly motivated with strong organization and planning skills
Collaborative with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
Proven track record for consistently meeting or exceeding goals and objectives
Ability to work well in fast-paced entrepreneurial environment with significant autonomy

Work Environment:

Remote-based position with regular travel to engage with thought leaders and with marketing team.
Ability to travel as required to meet business needs (>50%) including overnight and weekend travel

The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $185,000-$226,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.

Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.

Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.