Patient Engagement Associate Director, Design and Innovation

About This Role

Lead patient engagement efforts within a pharmaceutical organization, integrating the patient voice across the drug development lifecycle from early molecule strategy to clinical execution. Drive global strategies for patient-focused trial design, recruitment, and retention to improve trial outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic leader embedded within a sponsor’s clinical development organization, integrating the patient voice across the full development lifecycle
• Drive a global strategy for patient-focused trial design, patient experience enhancement, and patient-centered evidence generation
• Lead sponsor-side patient recruitment and retention strategies embedded directly into clinical development planning and execution
• Utilize patient journey analytics, inclusion frameworks, and co-designed engagement initiatives to improve recruitment performance and reduce participant burden
• Develop strategies to strengthen representation and inclusion across therapeutic areas and geographies
• Lead enterprise-level change management to scale patient engagement capabilities and standardize best practices
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with Clinical Operations, Clinical Research, Regulatory, Data Science, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Commercial, and Corporate Affairs
• Provide strategic input into policy and regulatory initiatives related to PFDD, PFMD, 21st Century Cures Act, PDUFA VII, digital health, and real-world evidence
• Engage with patient advocacy groups, caregivers, and external stakeholders

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in patient engagement, patient recruitment, or patient-centric clinical trial strategy within a pharmaceutical company
• Demonstrated experience influencing cross-functional leaders and driving enterprise change
• Strong understanding of global clinical development, regulatory frameworks, and operational decision-making
• Proven ability to design and execute global, multi-functional patient engagement initiatives
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific and regulatory concepts into clear strategy
• Direct Pharmaceutical Experience

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in patient engagement, patient recruitment, or patient-centric clinical trial strategy within a pharmaceutical company

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Data Science, Information Technology, or related field
• Experience with digital health solutions, real-world data, and patient engagement technology
• Prior leadership of large, global clinical development programs or transformation initiatives

Benefits