Director, HCP Marketing

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients with high unmet medical needs. We are advancing an exciting product pipeline addressing epilepsy, depression, and pain, including our Phase 3 azetukalner program—the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage development for multiple indications. Recent milestones include positive topline data from the Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study in focal onset seizures (FOS) and anticipated FDA New Drug Application submission in Q3 2026. Additional Phase 3 trials are underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), supported by Phase 2 topline data. Our early-stage pipeline includes Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 (Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (Kv7) targeting pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet, Xenon is building a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with robust discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About the Role

The Director, HCP Marketing, will lead the development and execution of HCP education strategy to support brand objectives and drive appropriate product adoption across the US market. This role is responsible for delivering high-impact, compliant educational initiatives that improve disease understanding, clinical practice, and confidence in product use. Serving as a strategic partner during launch and pre-launch, the Director ensures education programs are insight-driven, differentiated, and tightly aligned with brand strategy and customer experience priorities. This position is critical to shaping how healthcare providers understand, adopt, and deliver innovative therapies to patients. The role reports to the Senior Director, HCP Marketing, and is based in our Needham, MA office. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week; remote locations will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

• HCP Education Strategy (Brand & Launch Focus)
  • Lead the development of the US HCP education strategy aligned to brand goals, lifecycle stage (including launch-readiness), and key customer segments.
  • Translate brand strategy, positioning, and customer insights into actionable, differentiated education plans.
  • Identify priority HCP segments (specialists, community providers, advanced practice providers, etc.) and tailor education approaches accordingly.
  • Serve as the education lead in brand planning, ensuring strong integration across omnichannel touchpoints.
• Program Design & Execution
  • Oversee the design and execution of HCP education programs, including:
    • Peer-to-peer programs and speaker bureaus
    • Congress strategy and educational presence
    • Workshops, advisory boards, and training events
    • Digital and on-demand learning platforms
  • Develop compelling, insight-driven educational content aligned to clinical data and brand narrative.
  • Ensure consistent and differentiated HCP experience across channels and programs.
• Cross-Functional Integration
  • Act as a central integrator across Marketing, Customer Engagement, Medical Affairs, Field Sales, Market Access, and Customer Experience teams.
  • Partner closely with:
    • Brand leads on strategy and messaging
    • Medical Affairs on scientific accuracy and non-promotional education
    • Field teams to enable execution and feedback loops
  • Align with regulatory, legal, and compliance partners to ensure all programming meets internal and external standards.
• KOL & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build and manage relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), faculty, and professional societies.
  • Lead faculty development, speaker training, and advisory board planning.
  • Ensure KOL insights are incorporated into education strategy and content development.
• Launch Excellence
  • Support pre-launch readiness by:
    • Mapping educational gaps and opportunities
    • Building foundational disease-state education
    • Developing launch-phase HCP onboarding and training strategies
  • Ensure education programs accelerate awareness, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment in early launch phases.
• Agency, Budget & Vendor Management
  • Manage and lead external agency partners and vendors.
  • Own professional education marketing budget, ensuring effective resource allocation.
  • Ensure all activities adhere to regulatory, legal, and promotional review requirements.
• Performance & Analytics
  • Define KPIs and success metrics (engagement, reach, behavior change, impact on brand performance).
  • Leverage data and insights to continuously optimize education strategy and investment.
  • Manage education budget and vendor partnerships effectively.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
  • Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies.
  • Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach, and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices.
  • Act in accordance with Company policies, including the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
  • Some international travel may be required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant management experience or combination of degrees and experience, including 3–5+ years in HCP marketing, professional education, or medical education roles.
• Proven experience supporting product launches or major brand milestones.
• Strong cross-functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
• Deep expertise in HCP engagement and education strategy.
• Strong brand and commercial acumen (especially in launch environments).
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements (FDA, PhRMA, ACCME as applicable).
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and influence skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25–40% (congresses, field engagement, training programs).

Benefits

• Base salary, target bonus, and stock options.
• Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program and travel insurance.
• Retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown.
• Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.