Senior Director, Medical Communication and Medical Affairs Operations

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera's mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You'll Do:

The Senior Director of Medical Communication and Medical Affairs Operations will lead the strategic development and execution of a comprehensive medical communications strategy and Medical Affairs operations capability, including an overarching scientific communications plan, foundational medical narrative, scientific content development, omnichannel and digital communication initiatives, independent medical education (IME), and congress planning. This individual will play a critical role in amplifying the company's scientific voice, driving evidence dissemination, and supporting external engagement strategies to position the company as a leader in obesity science.

Preferred location: Waltham, MA or San Diego, CA (onsite or hybrid 2-3 days per week).

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of the global medical communications strategy aligned with medical affairs scientific communication platform and the company's strategic objectives
• Oversee creation of high-quality scientific content (e.g., core slide decks, FAQs, standard response letters, disease education tools) for internal and external stakeholders
• Drive omnichannel and digital engagement strategy for Medical Affairs, (e.g., email, web portals, digital congress platforms, social listening, HCP portals)
• Support and contribute to the development of a strategic publication plan with cross functional colleagues. Assist in ensuring timely, compliant dissemination of data to peer-reviewed journals and scientific congresses
• Lead congress planning and execution, including presence at major global and regional meetings (e.g., Obesity Week, ADA, EASD, ECO), scientific booth strategy, symposia, and KOL engagement
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with medical societies, patient advocacy groups, and key external stakeholders to position the company as an innovative leader in obesity science
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure a seamless, unified presence and aligned messaging at congresses
• Lead IME strategy and implementation to support education gaps within obesity and metabolic disease
• Ensure scientific accuracy, compliance, and strategic alignment of IME activities with broader medical and commercial objectives
• Collaborate with external education providers, societies, and experts to design and assess educational programs
• Manage budgets, project timelines, and vendor performance to ensure on-time, high-quality deliverables
• Implement systems and tools for content management, approval workflows, and performance tracking
• Build and lead a high-performing Medical Communications and Medical Affairs Operations team
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Commercial, Regulatory, and Legal & Compliance to ensure strategic alignment
• Serve as a key leader in Medical Affairs; contribution to department vision, innovation, and growth

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Medical Affairs within biotech/pharma
• Proven experience leading medical communications strategy, omnichannel/digital engagement, and congress planning, and driving tactical planning and execution
• Deep understanding of scientific exchange, regulatory compliance, and industry standards (e.g., ACCME, OIG, PhRMA, FDA/EMA guidelines) globally
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and vendor oversight skills
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and drive strategy across teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a fast-paced, clinical-stage biotech environment
• Familiarity with content management systems and digital engagement platforms
• Track record of building new capabilities and launching in competitive spaces
• Experience in the cardiometabolic therapeutic area, specifically obesity

Education:

• Advanced scientific or clinical degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) required

Benefits of Working at Kailera

In addition to traditional benefits, we provide enhanced offerings designed to support the well-being and financial security of our team members and their families.

• Comprehensive health benefits and tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Flexible time off, 13 paid holidays, and a companywide year-end shutdown
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Generous 401(k) match
• Disability and life insurance

At Kailera, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture. How we treat our people is reflective of this commitment. We share the pay range for this particular role with the actual base salary depending upon factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, market factors, and experience.

Salary Range

$210,000-$270,000 USD

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

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