Associate Director, Patient Advocacy & Communications

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.

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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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 ensure advocacy efforts are integrated and aligned to ensure cohesive messaging across policy, access, and patient-focused initiatives.

• Engage advocacy groups in advancing health equity initiatives.

• Build, expand, and maintain trusted relationships with patient advocacy organizations and serve as the primary liaison between the company and external advocacy stakeholders.

• Manage relationships and communications with advocacy organizations, professional societies, and external partners to identify unmet needs and bring community insights back into internal planning and decision-making.

• Develop and execute external communications plans focused on education and disease awareness, clinical milestones, and advocacy partnerships.

• Lead initiatives such as Patient Perspectives Panels, and advisory boards to gather key insights that inform cross-functional projects and strategic decisions.

• Oversee Supernus and Alliance Partner presence at key patient advocacy events and awareness campaigns, including sponsorships, materials, booths, and employee engagement.