The Senior Director, Patient Advocacy will be responsible for developing a patient advocacy engagement strategy to define our cross-functional approach to working within the current and future therapeutic portfolio of Shionogi, focused primarily, but not exclusively on Rare Disease. This work includes strategic oversight, coordination, and implementation of patient advocacy and engagement programs as well as research and insights-gathering to support scientific evidence and patient outcomes aligned with corporate and brand strategy. This leader will coordinate with all internal constituents to ensure a 360-degree level of engagement is achieved. From trial protocol design   to patient access support, this individual will need to understand the sensitivities for patients and caregivers in order to drive a comprehensive approach to advocacy. They will cultivate partnerships with patient advocacy and other non-profit organizations to support patient access to treatment and trials and to ensure future innovation in the designated disease space. In support of Shionogi’s federal alliance strategy, they gather insights from patient advocacy communities to guide decision-making. Tactical expectations for this role also include relationship management and logistical support for advocacy meetings, sponsorship and grant support, participation at patient meetings and scientific congresses and local community outreach.

• In collaboration with other relevant functions and global colleagues, develop a cross-functional patient advocacy engagement strategy to define Shionogi Inc.’s approach to working within the Shionogi therapeutic portfolio and the corresponding patient communities.
• Lead important activities to inform the clinical trial protocol, support speed and improve trial enrollment.
• Partner closely with Regulatory, Clinical and HQ Medical Affairs to support the regulatory strategy, understand and address regulatory opportunities and address any challenges.
• Partner with other functions and inform the Integrated Evidence Plan, bringing in patient and patient groups insights and perspectives, with a patient centric mindset.
• In alignment with corporate and brand strategy, implement and oversee patient advocacy and engagement programs, conduct disease-specific research and gather insights to support strategy development, scientific evidence and patient outcomes.
• Lead the planning and logistical support for advocacy meetings, sponsorship and grant support, participation at patient meetings and scientific congresses and local community outreach.
• Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate regional and international patient advocacy groups (PAGs) aligned to the corporate and brand strategic imperatives.
• Refresh the community landscape of relevant advocacy groups and establish regular communications to share and discuss short- and long- term priorities and initiatives.
• Review, revise, create patient advocacy frameworks, governance, and ways of working.
• Ensure community feedback loops with a formalized communications and operating plan.
• Facilitate or take part in patient advocacy sponsorships and grants program with Medical Affairs and Compliance.
• Advise and/or partner with Corporate Communications, Commercial, Medical Affairs, Government Affairs and other relevant departments on initiatives to advance disease awareness to priority audiences and in support of team's strategic plans.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and incorporation of community/family/caregiver perspectives in multi-departmental working groups, including, but not limited to Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Corporate Communications, Marketing, Market Access, Government Affairs, and Patient Support.
• Coordinate with Corporate Communications on integrating patient (and HCP) perspective into internal communications.
• Liaise and manage various current or prospective external partners, including, but not limited to CROs, medical communications, marketing, public relations or advocacy agencies; and other consultants as needed.
• Coordinate the review process of all patient advocacy materials, including disease education insights research, tools, communications and other materials, some of which are in collaboration with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Marketing and Market Access.
• Develop plans to increase patients access to care, including general disease burden awareness and engagement policy and coverage plans with legislators, as needed and aligned with corporate and brand strategy and cross-functional objectives.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree required.
• 15+ years of experience in with a minimum of 5 years leading patient advocacy and other relevant function.
• US advocacy experience required;, Global advocacy experience preferred
• Diverse advocacy experience, with time in rare and infectious disease.
• Launch experience in Rare Disease, Oncology and/or Infectious Disease preferred.
• Excellent project management ability, as well as writing skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current compliance, legal, regulatory and other issues that impact healthcare industry and patient engagement.
• Proven capacity to plan and implement advocacy plans in alignment with the company's strategic initiatives and integrated communications program.

Competencies

• Effective communication skills, tact, composure and understanding of the importance of confidential matters as you coordinate complex patient issues, manage sensitive information, and participate in key inter-departmental interactions.
• High empathy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a cross-functional internal and external teams.
• Results-driven mindset balanced with requirements of a patient advocacy role/function.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, ability to build credibility and trust inside and outside the Company.
• Must be science and data driven while at the same time, creative and flexible in strategic thinking and problem solving.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25-40%, both domestically and internationally.
• Must live in a reasonable, commutable distance to Florham Park, NJ and be able to work onsite 50% on a hybrid schedule.

Essential Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to articulate clearly and conduct verbal presentations with large and small audiences.
• Ability to travel via automobile and/or airplane.
• Ability to view video display terminal images < 18” away from face for extended period of time – up to four (4) hours at a time.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and telephone.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time – up to four (4) hours at a time.
• Ability to lift, tug, pull up to fifteen (15) pounds.

Disclaimer

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of requirements, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other requirements, duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

You acknowledge and agree that information described herein may be disclosed to applicable regulatory authorities, alliance partners and/or third-party service providers as necessary for Shionogi to fulfil its obligations under applicable laws, including but not limited to compliance with regulatory inspections and/or audits.

Shionogi Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment opportunities based on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, status as a disabled veteran, a recently separated veteran, Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veterans, and Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
It is the policy of Shionogi Inc. to undertake affirmative action in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements to recruit a diverse pool of applicants and to ensure that our employment practices are, in fact, non-discriminatory.

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