Associate Director, Patient Advocacy & Communications

Supernus Pharmaceuticals is an award-winning biopharmaceutical company with more than 30 years of experience in developing and commercializing products that treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. We currently have 8 products in the market that are making a real impact on patient outcomes.

Job Summary:  

The Associate Director, Patient Advocacy & Communications will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing Supernus Pharmaceuticals’ reputation among key stakeholders, including advocacy organizations (Patient & HCP), integrated media, internal employees, external investors, and the general public. This is a hybrid role, spanning all activities across brand communications and advocacy, while working closely with marketing, medical, and government affairs. This individual will also lead external and internal communications initiatives that strengthen Supernus corporate reputation, articulate company strategy, and elevate visibility across key stakeholders including investors, media, healthcare professionals, patients, and employees.  

The ideal candidate has deep experience in biopharma communications, understands the regulatory and compliance landscape, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Cross-functional relationships and high communication skills are necessary for the position.  Candidate will have the opportunity to work across the portfolio of in-line products at Supernus with brand & digital marketing teams as well as manage corporate activities in conjunction with leadership across the organization (ex, HR, IT, Executive Committee, PRC, IR Team, Agency Partners).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy & Narrative:

• Support development and execution of integrated communications and patient & HCP advocacy strategies that advance enterprise objectives and strengthen company reputation.
• Shape and consistently articulate the company’s corporate narrative, positioning, and key messages across stakeholders including media, patient communities, investors, and employees. Work closely with the Gov’t Affairs team and Market Access leadership to partner on policy needs and partnerships.
• Monitor industry, policy, competitive, and regulatory landscapes to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate reputational risk.
• Support communications around corporate social responsibility (CSR) and patient impact initiatives.
• Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, media advisories, Q&As, and briefing documents (branded, disease-state, and corporate focused releases across Supernus).
• Partner with leadership and HR to drive internal communications that inform, engage, and align employees with company strategy.
• Manage media inquiries and facilitate interviews with company spokespersons in conjunction with Corporate Communications Agency of Record.
• Track and analyze media coverage alongside Supernus Digital Marketing Department, providing insights and recommendations to relevant brand and corporate stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and execution of issues and crisis communication plans.
• Support cross-functional coordination during emerging policy, regulatory, or reputational challenges.
• Develop compelling and accurate communication materials for a variety of platforms, including corporate website and corporate social media channels.
• Ensure all communications adhere to FDA; partner closely with Legal, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, R&D, Investor Relations, Marketing Leadership and Government Affairs to ensure aligned and compliant messaging.
• Manage external communications, public affairs, and PR agencies to deliver strategic, high-quality deliverables.
• Manage budgets and sponsorships in compliance with company policies. Oversee external consultants and project execution.
• Partner with the Digital Marketing team to align PR and communications strategies with broader digital campaigns and brand initiatives, and with marketing team to support the development and evolution of the patient ambassador program.
• Work with co-promote partners to ensure alignment on all activities.

Patient Advocacy:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive advocacy strategy that aligns with the overarching brand objectives for our therapeutic areas including postpartum depression, ADHD, and Parkinson’s Disease.
• Partner across Medical Affairs, Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, Market Access, Commercial, and Government Affairs to