Director, Medical Communications - Rare Diseases

Job Summary

The Director, Medical Communications directs Leads and manages the execution of the global and US scientific communication for the global and US scientific communication strategy for the assigned Rare Disease therapeutic area and product portfolio. This includes directing the development and dissemination of core scientific and medical content within the Rare Disease portfolio (e.g., global slide decks, congress abstracts/presentations, publications, medical information, and medical education materials) to ensure scientific accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the overall Rare Disease Medical Affairs strategy.

The role is a key leadership position within the Rare Disease Business Unit (BU) Medical Affairs team, engaging a small team of internal stakeholders, external experts, and the broader scientific community. The role reports directly into the Senior Director, Rare Disease Business Unit Lead.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Global Scientific Communication Strategy

• Lead and oversee the execution of a comprehensive medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the Rare Disease portfolio aligned to the overall medical strategy (developed by the medical strategy team)
• Collaborate with the Rare Disease Medical BU Lead and cross-functional teams (e.g., Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial) to ensure global and US alignment
• Contribute to shaping the scientific narrative for the therapeutic area, ensuring consistency across publications, congresses, and external engagements
• Drive innovation in how scientific data is communicated, including digital transformation and real-time engagement models

Content Development Oversight

• Provide oversight for and ensure the strategic alignment of all Rare Disease medical affairs communication materials, including but not limited to
  • Scientific Communications Platform (SCP)
  • Global Publications Strategy
  • Global Medical Publications Plan
  • Core Disease State Deck
  • Core Field Materials
  • Medical Publications
  • Integrated Medical Communications Planning
  • New Data Reporting
  • Medical Information Content Generation

Publications Strategy

• Direct strategic vision and ensure execution of the global publication plan for Rare Disease assets, ensuring successful presentation of clinical data at major international congresses and in peer-reviewed journals
• Direct agency and vendor relationships to deliver high-quality publication deliverables

Congress Planning

• Set priorities for congress participation and direct the planning and execution of Medical Affairs activities at major scientific congresses (e.g., booth content, symposia, internal debriefs)
• Ensure coordination of scientific communication objectives and cross-functional alignment in close collaboration with Medical Excellence & Operations (ME&O) roles

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a thought leader and advisor on core Rare Disease team meetings, aligning communication plans with Rare Disease BU Medical Strategy and supporting cross-functional decision-making
• Partner closely with the US Field Medical Affairs Lead to ensure the global field medical team is equipped with scientifically accurate, consistent, and compliant content aligned to US strategy
• Support launch readiness for new indications or pipeline assets, including data dissemination and stakeholder education
• Ensure all communication activities adhere to relevant company SOPs, GPP (Good Publication Practices), ICMJE guidelines, and global regulatory/legal requirements, establishing governance frameworks to ensure compliance across the function
• Collaborate effectively with global colleagues by demonstrating cultural awareness, understanding regional regulations, and adapting communication and engagement strategies to foster strong cross-border partnerships
• Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Advanced scientific degree is required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent) with a strong understanding of clinical development and medical science, preferably in Rare Disease or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Medical Affairs, Medical Communications, or Publication Planning within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience leading, developing, and managing a team of direct reports within a global communications function
• Demonstrated track record of leading and executing global and/or US communica