Associate Director, Medical Strategy & Operations Lead - Lupus (US Medical Affairs)

Biogen’s Strategy & Operations (S&O) Lead is a strategic partner who owns and manages critical operational aspects of US Medical. The role has two key objectives: supporting strategic planning and execution for the Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area (TA) and aiding the overall strategy and operational efforts for all of US Medical in collaboration with the Head of Medical Strategy, Operations and Excellence (MSOE). This position reports to the US Medical TA Head for Lupus and serves as a critical member of the TA medical leadership team, facilitating decision-making and acting as the primary strategic liaison between the Lupus TA Head, NAMLT members, Global Medical Teams, and US cross-functional teams.

The S&O Lead provides oversight and guidance for critical operational activities such as decision support (AOP, ICP), audit readiness, meeting planning, onboarding, and project management within Lupus. This role also partners with the worldwide Medical Operations network to drive consistency across Biogen Medical. Biogen prioritizes fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and patients it serves.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the US Head of Lupus, proactively identifying business-critical risks and opportunities, representing Lupus at NAMLT, and planning/directing key organizational, financial, and operational activities.
• Support the development of the overarching US Medical RD strategy and plan in collaboration with the US Head of Lupus to ensure alignment and execution of targets.
• Demonstrate deep business acumen by overseeing the US Lupus budget from development through execution, with potential additional financial oversight of other US Medical areas.
• Provide project and program management, identifying and leading continuous improvement efforts to reduce execution barriers across all TAs and functions within US Medical Affairs.
• Develop clear, visually appealing presentation and communication materials in collaboration with US Medical leaders for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure US Medical stays on track to meet annual and long-term goals by supporting regular US Lupus, US Medical reviews, and Extended USMLT meetings.
• Orchestrate the Integrated Customer Planning (ICP) process within Lupus, including meetings, communications, and collaboration, while integrating medical input from Global and US Organizational ICP strategies.
• Direct operations-related activities in partnership with US Medical operation leads and other regional or global partners, including external engagements (e.g., ad boards, medical forums) and internal activities (e.g., contracting, audit readiness, material review).
• Manage information flow and ensure appropriate communication across the matrixed medical and cross-functional organization, including updates to NAMLT, NALT, or the board of directors.
• Ensure alignment and integration with US affiliate and global medical teams through regular touchpoints and participation in business-critical workstreams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and mutual trust and respect among all team members.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience in Medical Affairs, Pharmaceutical Operations, or related fields.
• Proven business acumen, including financial planning experience (e.g., business degree, MBA, or relevant roles).
• Complex program management skills, including strong organizational, timeline management, and leadership abilities (including influence without formal authority).
• Excellent social competencies and ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build and cultivate internal and external networks.
• Ability to present medical and business content clearly and visually for Biogen executives and external leaders.
• Sound medical-scientific knowledge.
• Proven track record of holding self and others accountable.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters, PhD, and/or MBA highly preferred.
• Experience working in an alliance is strongly preferred.
• Worldwide Medical or Medical Affairs functional knowledge preferred.
• Experience in therapeutic areas of specialty and rare diseases preferred.
• Experience in long-range financial planning preferred.
• Change management experience highly desired.
• Openness to innovation and generating digital solutions.

Pay

The base compensation range for this role is $162,000.00 - $223,000.00. Base salary is determined through an analytical approach considering relevant skills and experience, job location, and internal equity. Regular employees are eligible for short-term and long-term incentives, including cash bonuses and equity opportunities, based on individual, business unit, and company performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Fitness and wellness programs, including a fitness reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus an end-of-year shutdown (December 26-31).
• Up to 12 company-paid holidays plus 3 paid days off for personal significance.
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) program with company-matched contributions.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year.
• Participation in Employee Resource Groups.

Biogen is a mid-sized biotechnology company offering stability and resources while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. The team is committed to excellence and a pioneering spirit, working together to deliver life-changing medicines.