Associate Director, Patient Advocacy & Communications

Supernus Pharmaceuticals is an award-winning biopharmaceutical company with more than 30 years of experience in developing and commercializing products that treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. At Supernus, we develop innovative products that help treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. We currently have 8 products in the market that are making a real impact on patient outcomes.

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. This individual will also lead external and internal communications initiatives that strengthen Supernus corporate reputation, articulate company strategy, and elevate visibility across key stakeholders including investors, media, healthcare professionals, patients, and employees.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in biopharma communications, understands the regulatory and compliance landscape, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Cross-functional relationships and high communication skills are necessary for the position. Candidate will have the opportunity to work across the portfolio of in-line products at Supernus with brand & digital marketing teams as well as manage corporate activities in conjunction with leadership across the organization (ex, HR, IT, Executive Committee, PRC, IR Team, Agency Partners).

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.
• Support 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).
• Partner with leadership and HR to drive internal communications that inform, engage, and align employees with company strategy.
• 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.
• Support cross-functional coordination during emerging policy, regulatory, or reputational challenges.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No current direct reports.

Knowledge & Other Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus minimum of 8 years of communications/advocacy experience and in the biopharmaceutical industry. Master's preferred.
• Proven cross-functional leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Experience in patient advocacy, community engagement, and issues management.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities and collaborate effectively with internal customers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to patient advocacy and external engagement.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific and medical information into clear, concise, and compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms for patient engagement, education, and advocacy outreach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Other Characteristics:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and maintain high ethical standards of integrity and quality.
• Ability of having an innovative and dynamic approach to work.
• A self-starter able to work independently but comfortable working in a team environment.
• Ability to consistently exhibit Supernus Values in interactions with employees at all levels of the organization, vendors, customers and others.
• Capable of performing other duties as assigned by Management.
• Authorized to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment/Travel Requirements:

• Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or carrying objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer screen, iPad, or other electronic device; and extensive reading.
• The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Compensation:

At Supernus, we offer a competitive compensation package that reflects your experiences and contributions. The expected salary range for fully qualified candidates applying for this role is $176,000 to $203,000. This range is what the Company reasonably expects to offer for the position and is not reflective of the full compensation scale of the role. This range may be modified in the future. An individual's salary within the range is based on multiple factors, which may include and are not limited to education, relevant experience, knowledge, length of industry experience and organizational needs.

You also will be able to participate in a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: health, dental, vision, paid time off, 401k company match, company paid life insurance and health and wellness benefits. The total compensation package for this position also includes other compensation elements such as stock equity awards, employee stock purchase programs and participation in our Company's discretionary annual bonus program.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.