Director, Patient Advocacy & Engagement - Job ID: 1531

Ascendis Pharma is a dynamic, fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Europe, and the United States. Today, we're advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology.

Here at Ascendis, we pride ourselves on exceptional science, visionary leadership, and skilled and passionate colleagues.

Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Our culture fosters a place where skilled, adaptable, and highly resourceful professionals can truly make their mark. We offer a dynamic workplace for employees to grow and develop their skills.

The Director of Patient Advocacy & Engagement (GPAE) leads patient advocacy and engagement initiatives across the US, building strategic relationships and communicating the potential of the company’s clinical programs and technology in relevant patient, caregiver, and advocacy communities. 

The Director will facilitate external dialogs and partnerships that further mutual interests, working closely with in-house Clinical, Development, Communications, Commercial and other teams to develop programs that align with and advance company’s values and objectives. Internally, this position will nurture Ascendis Pharma’s patient-centric culture and sense of urgency to address patient needs, helping to ensure that patient community insights are infused into the company’s day-to-day operations and decision-making. 

Over time, this position will provide the vision needed to expand advocacy and engagement activities in the US as the company advances its pipeline, launches new products, and broadens its geographic reach and therapeutic areas of focus. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead development and implementation of patient advocacy and engagement policies, strategies, and programs across the company. 

• Work in partnership with internal partners to define initiatives that drive Ascendis Pharma’s business goals and clearly differentiate the company and its clinical programs and products. 

• Protect and expand Ascendis Pharma’s reputation as a trusted partner to the patient communities. 

• Identify mutually beneficial opportunities between patient organizations and Ascendis Pharma. 

• Conduct related events, webinars, advisory boards, and clinical trial recruitment initiatives. 

• Serve as the primary interface with patient communities and organizations across therapeutic areas. 

• Champion the patient voice and experience internally to inform the company’s decision making and communications, and to educate and inspire employees. 

• Integrate the company values (patients, science, passion) in all patient community engagements 

• Develop annual and project plans and budgets, updating as circumstances require. Define and report on metrics that demonstrate the outcomes and impact of the company’s advocacy and engagement activities. 

• Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulations and guidelines. 

• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic patient advocacy in the pharma/biotech industry; 15 years preferred. 

• Successful track record working with patient and umbrella organizations in the highly regulated pharmaceutical environments, especially the U.S. 

• Experience partnering with Government Affairs to develop and influence access and policy a plus. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to identify shared goals and achieve consensus among individuals from different cultures and disciplines. 

• Strong presentation and written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to develop, track, and execute annual and project-specific plans and budgets. 

• Demonstrated excellence managing multiple projects and priorities. 

• Ability to travel up to 25 percent of the time, domestic and international. 

• Undergraduate degree required. 

A note to recruiters:

We do not allow external search party solicitation.  Presentation of candidates without written permission from the Ascendis Pharma Inc Human Resources team (specifically from: Talent Acquisition Partner or Human Resources Director) is not allowed.  If this occurs your ownership of these candidates will not be acknowledged.

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-offered Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Company-provided short and long-term disability benefits
• Unique offerings of Pet Insurance and Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various incentive compensation plans
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance  
• Mental Health resources
• Paid leave benefits for new parents