Associate Director, Medical Strategy and Communications, Immunology

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

Summary of Job:

The Associate Director, Medical Strategy and Communication will serve as a key leader within the NA Medical Affairs team and work with our alliance partner to help develop and shape medical strategy for rocatinlimab, a novel product in development for atopic dermatitis (AD) and other inflammatory diseases. Working closely with the NA Medical Affairs TA Head this role will be responsible for developing and executing key elements of the US medical launch plan for rocatinlimab. The AD, Medical Strategy and Communications will be responsible for analyzing and incorporating medical insights to shape strategic direction, including KOL development and KEE engagement, medical education, evidence generation, scientific communications and omnichannel engagement in partnership with our alliance partners at Amgen. In addition, the AD, Medical Strategy will be responsible for analyzing and communicating insights and program updates to Sr. Leaders, supporting the creation of effective external communication materials, driving strategic projects, and providing operational leadership for various workstreams. The AD/Dir Medical Strategy will contribute to the NA Medical Affairs Strategy team for rocatinlimab and is a delegate for the NA Medical Affairs TA Head to attend internal cross-functional teams, including Global Pubs Planning Committee, Regional Franchise Team, and Promotional/Medical Review Committee. This individual will participate in and represent KKNA medical at related team meetings with Kyowa Kirin alliance partners and will serve as the primary contact with internal and external stakeholders on various projects, including medical launch readiness, KEE engagement, congress strategy and execution, scientific and medical communications and education, and medical operations.

Essential Functions:

Focus on Medical Strategy:

• Codevelop and oversee execution of US medical launch readiness plan to support successful launch in AD.
• With alliance partners, contribute to NA medical strategic and tactical planning for rocatinlimab in collaboration with medical function leads and cross-functional partners.
• Represent Medical Affairs and provide medical input into KKNA Integrated Brand and Financial planning and Global Medical Affairs annual planning processes
• Provide medical strategic input during Product Brand, Franchise or Joint Collaborative team meetings to support launch and LCM.
• Provide continuous input into Global evidence generation and communication strategyto ensure effective communication with diverse stakeholders (e.g., specialists, non-specialists, patients, payers, others)
• Represent KKNA Medical Affairs at major scientific congresses and advisory boards to establish thought leadership in inflammatory disease (focus on allergy and immunology)
• Build and maintain relationships with KEEs and advocacy organizations.
• Liaise with Field Medical to ensure on-going visibility into medical strategy, key priorities, and the impact of field insights
• Collaborate with Global Scientific Lead to provide on-going support for medical onboarding and continuous learning for MSLs; provide cross-functional support for scientific training and on-boarding of non-medical colleagues/partners.

 

Focus on Medical Excellence and Operations:

• Responsible for communicating critical business insights and key program updates to Regional and Global senior leaders through monthly NAEC report, GMA report, Global product report, Amgen Kyowa Kirin Joint Quarterly Global Medical Insights Report, and others
• Act as primary reviewer of scientific publications and medical communication materials; serve as lead Medical reviewer on promotional and/or medical review committee(s) to ensure materials are scientifically accurate, current, consistent and properly substantiated and referenced
• Determine accurate tiering of KOLs in collaboration with Compliance to determine FMV of external consultants based on experience and skill set.
• Collaborate with Medical Operations/Program Managers to provide oversight of vendor-related activities (e.g., selection, contracting, onboarding, day-to-day operation, performance evaluation and improvement).
• Ensure adherence to all applicable SOPs, policies, processes and compliance guidelines.

Job Requirements:

Education

Advanced degree in Health Sciences or related field (MD, PhD, DNP, PharmD) required.

 

Experience

Minimum four (4) years of progressive experience in Medical Affairs within pharmaceutical companies and medical consulting agencies, with a strong focus on immunology. Demonstrated success in field medical operations and product launches, contributing to strategic planning and execution. Proven track record in insights analysis and shaping therapeutic area strategies aligned with business and scientific objectives.

Must possess a deep understanding of pharmaceutical R&D and commercialization processes, with solid knowledge of clinical study principles—including design, conduct, analysis, and reporting. Well-versed in industry standards and guidelines, including those from Pharma and other regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and excellence in medical communications and strategy.

 

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated Clinical Development Knowledge: ICH-GCP guidelines, clinical trial protocols, regulatory submission processes
• Strong familiarity with with PhRMA, EFPIA, FDA, and EMA regulations
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills required.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and work effectively in a constantly changing environment in both an independent and collaborative manner.
• Skilled in strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Adept at conveying complex medical, scientific, and business information to diverse internal and external audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

 

Non-Technical Skills

Strong work ethics are  required. Detail oriented and excellent follow through. Has the ability to flex and deal with ambiguity in a dynamic, fast-paced, high growth environment. Has a passion for personal learning and development to be able to grow with the company. Cultural sensitivity and ability to develop consensus within a multinational organization.

Physical Demands:

Normal office environment with prolonged sitting and extensive computer work.

Working Conditions: Requires up to 30% domestic and international travel

 

The anticipated salary for this position will be $185,000 to $200,000.  The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 401K with company match
• Discretionary Profit Share
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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