Director, Medical Affairs Congress Strategy and Execution

This pivotal role in Otsuka's Global Medical Affairs (GMA) organization spearheads non-promotional scientific communication efforts across the CNS portfolio, developing and implementing cutting-edge congress strategies that align with and elevate GMA objectives.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Director of Medical Communications, this role orchestrates Otsuka's presence at major medical congresses, ensuring maximum impact and value from scientific communications. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the medical congress landscape and the ability to leverage innovative approaches to enhance scientific exchange.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive, multi-year congress strategy aligned with Otsuka's CNS product portfolio based on defined objectives, including scientific data dissemination plans, expert engagement strategies, and sponsored activities.
• Create and lead the Congress Steering Committee in partnership with key GMA stakeholders, ensuring cross-functional alignment and optimal resource allocation.
• Identify and prioritize key international and regional congresses across therapeutic areas.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to orchestrate Otsuka's scientific presence at congresses, including:
  • Abstract submissions and poster presentations
  • Oral presentations and late-breaking clinical trial sessions
  • Sponsored symposia and educational sessions
  • Investigator meetings and closed sessions
  • Booth design and scientific content
  • Press activities and media engagement
• Implement innovative digital strategies to extend congress reach and engagement, including virtual and hybrid congress solutions.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for pre-congress, on-site, and post-congress activities to maximize impact.
• Create and manage congress budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI.
• Collaborate with GMA Medical Strategy, Publications, and Scientific Communications to develop high-quality, scientifically rigorous presentations and materials.
• Ensure all congress materials adhere to compliance standards and data publication embargoes.
• Implement best practices for data visualization and scientific storytelling to enhance impact.
• Coordinate with publication planning to align congress activities with broader publication strategies.
• Develop and execute strategies for engaging key opinion leaders before, during, and after congresses.
• Organize and facilitate investigator meetings and advisory boards in conjunction with congresses.
• Create opportunities for scientific exchange between Otsuka medical personnel and external experts.
• Establish KPIs for congress activities and implement systems to track and analyze performance.
• Conduct post-congress analysis to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Benchmark Otsuka's congress presence against competitors and industry best practices.
• Stay abreast of evolving trends in medical congress strategy and scientific communications.
• Pilot innovative approaches to enhance engagement and scientific exchange at congresses.
• Develop and implement best practices for virtual and hybrid congress participation.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in life sciences (Ph.D., PharmD, or M.D. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, with at least 5 years focused on congress strategy and execution.
• Proven track record of successful congress planning and implementation on a global scale.
• Deep understanding of the medical congress landscape and evolving trends in scientific communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the CNS therapeutic area strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent project management abilities, including budget management and vendor oversight.
• Innovative mindset with experience in implementing digital and virtual congress solutions.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to derive insights from congress metrics and feedback.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for various audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders and scientific experts.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results: Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity: Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication: Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration: Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development: Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Pay

Minimum $209,599.00 - Maximum $313,375.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Company-provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs.
• Additional company-provided benefits.