Director, Scientific Communications (CNS)

Key Responsibilities

Global Scientific Communications Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, globally aligned medical communications strategy across assigned CNS assets.
• Shape long-term communication priorities aligned with asset strategy, lifecycle stage, and evolving external landscape.
• Translate scientific and clinical insights into integrated communication approaches that support stakeholder engagement and decision-making.
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior cross-functional leaders to ensure alignment with enterprise and asset-level priorities.

Integrated Medical Communications Planning (IMCP) Leadership

• Chair an integrated scientific communications cross-function team for assigned asset/therapeutic area deliverables.
• Lead the development and execution of Medical Communication Plans, inclusive of: Content strategy and deliverables; Communication channels and engagement planning.
• Ensure IMCPs are fully integrated into annual asset planning processes and aligned with broader medical and business strategies.
• Drive accountability for timely, high-quality execution of all IMCP deliverables.

Scientific Narrative & Content Strategy Ownership

• Own and define the Scientific Communication Platform (SCP), scientific narrative, and core lexicon across Medical Affairs communications.
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and scientific rigor across all content and communication channels globally.
• Provide strategic oversight for the development of core content assets, including: Disease state education materials; Core field medical materials; Data dissemination assets; Congress-related materials and engagement tools.
• Ensure content strategies are modular, scalable, and optimized for omnichannel delivery.

Content Design, Delivery & Innovation

• Drive the design and execution of innovative content and communication channel strategies, including digital and omnichannel engagement approaches.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop new tools and platforms for scientific communication, including digital, social, and interactive formats.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI-enabled content development, personalization, automation) to improve efficiency and impact.
• Ensure content is designed with the end user in mind, enhancing accessibility, engagement, and scientific understanding.
• Lead and provide strategic direction to the team responsible for developing and maintaining Medical Information scientific response content, ensuring scientific accuracy, compliance, consistency, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex scientific content and response development matters, providing guidance and oversight to ensure high-quality, evidence-based communications.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a core leader within cross-functional asset teams.
• Translate emerging clinical data into actionable communication strategies.
• Ensure alignment and appropriate scientific integration across global and regional initiatives while maintaining Medical Affairs independence.

Governance, Compliance & Quality Excellence

• Ensure all communications are scientifically accurate, evidence-based, and compliant with internal policies and external regulations.
• Establish and oversee governance frameworks for content development, review, and lifecycle management.
• Act as an escalation point for complex scientific or compliance-related content decisions.
• Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and ethical communication practices.

Operational & Agency Leadership

• Lead annual scope-of-work planning and resource allocation for scientific communications deliverables.
• Oversee agency partnerships, including selection, contracting, performance management, and optimization.
• Drive operational excellence, process improvements, and scalable content development models.
• Ensure efficient delivery of high-quality outputs within budget and timelines.

Team Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team (Associate Directors, Managers, and/or cross-functional contributors).
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Build organizational capability in scientific communications, including best practice sharing and process standardization.
• Promote a learner-first, inclusive mindset in content development and team culture.

Continuous Improvement & External Awareness

• Stay current with advancements in scientific communications, digital engagement, and the external healthcare landscape.
• Gather and implement best practices across regions to drive consistency and innovation.
• Use insights, analytics, and stakeholder feedback to continuously optimize communication strategies and execution.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent in science, medicine, or related field).
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, Scientific Communications, or related roles within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of prior leadership experience, including development and management of team members.
• Demonstrated experience leading global communication strategies and integrated planning processes.
• Strong experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience in the CNS therapeutic area strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to translate complex scientific data into clear, strategic communication plans.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills, including ability to chair cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in content strategy, omnichannel engagement, and digital communication tools.
• Strong project management capabilities, with experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with executive presence.
• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen and ability to align scientific communications with enterprise goals.
• Experience leveraging innovation, including AI and digital tools, to enhance content development and delivery.

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 our 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.