Sr. Director, Head of Field Reimbursement & Patient Access Liaisons -Job ID 1754

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. Today, we're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology.

Here at Ascendis, we pride ourselves on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled and passionate colleagues.

Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Our culture fosters a place where skilled, adaptable, and highly resourceful professionals can truly make their mark. We offer a dynamic workplace for employees to grow and develop their skill.

The Sr. Director, Head of Field Reimbursement & Patient Access Liaisons  will lead and oversee the strategy, execution, and performance of the company’s Field Reimbursement Managers (FRMs) and Patient Access Liaisons (PALs). This senior leader will be responsible for developing and driving the national field strategy to optimize patient access, support, education, and adherence across the organization’s portfolio. Serving as a key member of the Patient Services leadership team and the Field Leader Forum, the Head of Field Reimbursement & Patient Access Liaisons will ensure seamless collaboration across internal and external stakeholders while maintaining a patient-first focus.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and execute the overarching field strategy for FRMs and PALs to support patient access and provider/patient engagement
• Build and lead a high-performing field reimbursement/patient access team to proactively support providers and patients in overcoming access and reimbursement challenges
• Align field strategies with brand objectives, overall Patient Services objectives, and corporate objectives to drive impact and measurable outcomes
• Serve as a thought leader and advisor to senior leadership on trends, challenges, and opportunities in patient access and reimbursement

• Directly lead, coach, and develop a team of direct reports who have responsibility for managing regional field teams
• Establish clear performance metrics and ensure consistent execution across field teams

• Ensure field activities comply with all regulatory, legal, and compliance standards
• Partner cross-functionally with Market Access, Commercial, Medical Affairs, Compliance, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Implement systems, processes, and tools to optimize team effectiveness and efficiency.

• Represent the organization with key external stakeholders including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and specialty pharmacies
• Identify insights from the field and translate them into actionable strategies to enhance patient access and support

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, NP, PharmD or related field) strongly preferred
• 12+ years of progressive experience in field reimbursement, patient services, market access, field sales, or related functions within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. Field reimbursement experience is required.
• 5+ years proven success managing and leading national field teams, preferably across both provider and patient facing teams
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute field strategies that support brand objectives, drive patient outcomes and organizational impact
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Deep knowledge of reimbursement processes, access challenges, HUB services, specialty pharmacy distribution, clinical education, and patient support services
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to navigate complex access and operational challenges.
• Expected field and home office travel up to 50%

The estimated salary range for this position is $250,000 - $280,000.  Actual salary determination is dependent on a variety of factors some of which include: experience, qualifications, and geographic location.  This position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus or an incentive compensation plan (eligibility varies based on role and position level), discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-offered Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Company-pr