Associate Director Global Medical Communications

Position Summary:

ultrafocused – Work together to fearlessly uncover new possibilities

The Associate Director, Global Medical Communications will develop, execute, and be responsible for the strategic direction of scientific communications for approved products or investigational programs for Ultragenyx’s rare disease portfolio. This role ensures that data generated across clinical, real-world, and HEOR studies are translated into a cohesive, forward-looking scientific narrative and communicated accurately, consistently, and effectively across audiences and channels. The role proactively leads program‑level strategic publication planning and ensures alignment between the integrated evidence plan (IEP), scientific narrative, and publication execution across the product lifecycle. The individual will collaborate closely with Global Medical Leads, Publications, Medical Information, HEOR, regional medical teams, and cross-functional partners to deliver high-quality, timely, scientific content that supports education, engagement, and launch readiness.

Work Model: 

Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx's offices or other locations on occasion as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute, and lead program-level scientific communications plan aligned with the global IEP, brand strategy, and medical objectives, shaping communication priorities based on emerging data and evidence needs.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the core scientific communications platform and narrative, ensuring consistent interpretation and use of data across medical deliverables.
• Lead the development and maintenance of key medical communications deliverables, including product/program Q&As, and scientific slide decks.
• Support Medical Affairs congress strategy, leading the development of symposia content, congress booth materials, and post-congress scientific summaries.
• Partner with publications stakeholders to define and drive program‑level publication strategy, including publication plans, prioritization of data dissemination, and alignment of abstracts and manuscripts with evidence and strategic scientific positioning.
• Collaborate with Medical Information and other Medical Affairs colleagues to ensure scientific accuracy and message consistency across standard responses, training materials, and field medical deliverables.
• Ensure all medical communications deliverables are data-current, compliant, and globally aligned.
• Manage external Medical Communications vendors, providing clear strategic direction and accountability for output, ensuring quality, compliance, fiscal discipline, and on-time delivery.
• Serve as a contributor to launch and lifecycle readiness, ensuring Medical Affairs is scientifically prepared for internal and external engagement.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in a scientific or medical field (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent).
• 6-10 years of experience in medical communications and scientific publications within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic publication planning at the program level, with ability to align publications with integrated evidence plans and medical priorities, and to independently shape publication strategy.
• Proven experience in developing scientific narratives, slide decks, and congress materials.
• Strong understanding of clinical development and data interpretation, with ability to translate complex data into clear, audience-appropriate scientific messages.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, matrixed environment; ability to lead multiple therapeutic areas concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong project management and organizational capabilities.
• Experience managing external agencies and vendors.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (~20%).

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