Director, Medical Communications

Position Summary:

The Director Medical Communications for Rare Disease is a key member of the Medical Communications team within Medical Affairs responsible for leading the medical communications strategy and execution for the Rare Disease therapeutic area.

This individual will lead a team of individual contributors focused on Rare Disease programs and ensure the delivery of high-quality compliant and scientifically robust communication materials that support medical and corporate objectives.

The role ensures that Rare Disease medical communication strategies are aligned with broader Medical Affairs and company goals supporting data dissemination external engagement and lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will combine strong scientific acumen cross-functional collaboration and excellent project management to deliver impactful communication initiatives.

Job Location: Hybrid Based in our Waltham MA offices 2 days a week

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and execute the Medical Communications strategy for the Rare Disease therapeutic area ensuring alignment with broader Medical Affairs and corporate objectives.
• Lead and mentor a team of individual contributors within the Rare Disease medical communications function fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Identify communication needs and opportunities across Rare Disease programs developing clear evidence-based resources and innovative communication solutions.
• Drive the development review and approval of scientific publications congress materials and core communication resources for cross-functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Medical Directors Field Medical Commercial and Regulatory partners to ensure timely delivery of launch and core communication materials.
• Support planning and execution of advisory boards and other key scientific exchange initiatives to inform communication strategy.
• Partner with the Medical Information team to ensure alignment of core content and consistency of scientific messaging across Rare Disease assets.

Education Registration & Certification:

• Advanced degree required (MD PhD or Pharm D degree or equivalent)

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a relevant Medical Affairs or Medical Communications role within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Experience in nephrology or rare disease is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to guide individual contributors and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Proficiency with standard communication and collaboration tools (Microsoft Office Suite SharePoint etc.).

Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to clearly articulate scientific concepts deliver compelling presentations and facilitate productive discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced evolving environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Travel Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% to support scientific congresses and cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits and Perks:

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with company match inclusive family building benefits flexible time off summer and winter shutdowns paid family leave disability and life insurance and more! Visit to learn more.

Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

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EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees applicants or any other covered persons because of race color religion creed national origin or ancestry ethnicity sex (including pregnancy) gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual) age physical or mental disability citizenship past current or prospective service in the uniformed services genetic information marital status AIDS/HIV status smoker/nonsmoker and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.