Associate Director, Thought Leader Liaison, Neurology Rare Disease

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.)

. Develop and execute a regional plan aligned with national strategy and launch priorities .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $169,222 - $253,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in biopharmaceutical field marketing and thought-leader engagement, with a strong focus on rare diseases and neuromuscular conditions. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, build relationships with key opinion leaders, and navigate complex regulatory environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Biopharmaceutical ExperienceThought-Leader EngagementStrategic PlanningClinical and Scientific FluencyAnalytical Ability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Field MarketingMarket DevelopmentProduct MarketingPre-Launch and Launch ExperienceInsight ManagementRelationship MappingDisease-State Program ExecutionAggregate Insights Production

Soft Skills

LeadershipStrategic ThinkingRelationship-BuildingSound JudgmentPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

CRMVirtual Engagement PlatformsBusiness Platforms

Industry Keywords

Rare DiseaseNeuromuscular DiseaseGeneticsDiagnosticsComplianceAdvisory BoardsCongress Planning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute a regional plan aligned with national strategy and launch priorities
Map priority institutions, thought leaders, and referral relationships across the diagnosis, testing, counseling, referral, and treatment pathway
Use regional and account-level insights to prioritize engagement, identify cross-account barriers, and support Account Manager planning and execution
Coordinate with MSLs on shared thought leaders, scientific needs, and joint engagements
Establish and maintain compliant relationships with national and regional experts, center leaders, and influential community and neuromuscular practices
Develop and execute approved national and regional peer-to-peer education programs
Identify qualified advisors and, following approval, promotional faculty
Capture and synthesize aggregate, non-patient-specific field insights
Compare insights across accounts and incorporate findings into regional business plans
Maintain knowledge of the publicly available disease, treatment, evidence, and competitive landscape
Lead approved engagement with local and regional advocacy organizations
Identify opportunities using advocacy resources, programs, and professional networks to address regional education, referral, and support needs
Provide regional input on potential partnerships and sponsorships
Lead commercial thought-leader engagement strategy for priority national and regional congresses and professional-society meetings
Partner with Marketing on launch strategy, disease-education needs, peer-to-peer programs, congress planning, and faculty strategy
Coordinate with Medical Affairs, Market Access, Patient Services, Account Managers, and other functional partners
Report safety information and product complaints through required company processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
At least eight years of relevant biopharmaceutical experience, including field marketing, TLL, market development, product marketing, thought-leader engagement or another strategic field role
Recent experience in rare or ultra-rare disease, neurology, neuromuscular disease, genetics, or diagnostics strongly preferred
Demonstrated pre-launch and launch experience, including ability to operate within distinct pre- and post-approval engagement boundaries
Ability to operate independently and compliantly in a field role without an established franchise infrastructure
Strong clinical and scientific fluency for credible disease-state discussions with senior specialist audiences
Leadership, strategic thinking, sound judgment, and ability to translate ambiguity into an executable field plan
Exceptional relationship-building skills and executive presence with senior clinicians, professional organizations, and cross-functional colleagues
Disciplined judgment regarding commercial, medical role boundaries and pre- and post-approval engagement rules
Strong analytical ability to map influence networks, diagnostic and referral workflows, and regional opportunities; ability to produce concise, actionable, aggregate insights
Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills
Experience with advisory boards and execution and quality oversight of disease-state programs before approval and branded speaker programs after approval
Proficiency with CRM, insight-management, virtual engagement, and standard business platforms
Commitment to documentation quality, privacy, and company policies
Willingness and ability to travel more than 50% of the time, including significant overnight and occasional weekend travel
Ability to attend priority national and regional congresses, advisory boards, and evening programs as business needs require
Valid driver's license and ability to meet company fleet, driving, and travel requirements
Must reside within the Central/West territory within practical reach of a major hub airport; residence in Chicago, Dallas, or Denver preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Company-provided basic life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan assistance
Generous 401(k) match
Flexible time off
Paid holidays
Paid leave programs
Other company-provided benefits
Incentive opportunity