Senior Manager, Patient Advocacy

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel ambitious thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world.

Alexion Canada is looking for a skilled and hardworking patient advocacy professional to join the Patient Advocacy Team. You will report to the Director, Patient Advocacy, and work with national and provincial patient advocacy groups in Canada for the company’s portfolio. You will create and implement strategic programs and partnerships and help bring the patient perspective into the company. The Senior Manager, Patient Advocacy will establish connections with patient organizations and groups that are dedicated to rare diseases, in line with Alexion Canada's patient advocacy objectives.

You will collaborate with different functions within Alexion to ensure our engagements are strong and passionate about enhancing patients’ access to potentially life-changing therapies and growing national/local/regional patient advocacy organizations’ awareness and education to facilitate patient access to such therapies. Key internal partners include Medical Affairs, Clinical Operations, Government Affairs and Market Access, Marketing, Corporate Communications, Regulatory, Legal, and Compliance. By connecting the external and internal environments, you will actively help position Alexion as a leading patient-centered rare disease biotechnology company and dynamic leader with vision that can be a valuable resource for patient advocacy organizations.

Accountabilities

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with collaborator organizations that are dedicated to patient advocacy in various therapeutic areas of interest to Alexion and other relevant allied organizations. Moreover, identify emerging partners and establish new connections.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for patient advocacy groups in Canada and work cross-functionally to coordinate and lead regular communications to ensure productive and constructive partnerships
• Collaborate with individuals and groups in healthcare to prioritize patient care.
• Share knowledge about patient advocacy organizations with collaborators. Advocate for the patient voice and experience at the corporate level. Incorporate patient perspectives into our thinking and approaches.
• Develop and implement annual plans to support patient advocacy and engagement in various therapeutic areas.
• Identify, initiate, and oversee strategic patient advocacy programs and partnerships related to disease awareness and education, diagnosis, access to appropriate care, and policy advocacy, in collaboration with a cross-functional team
• Contribute to the company’s evolving philosophy and long-term vision for patient engagement as well as enhancing the patient-centric culture within the company
• Ensure ethically sound and compliant collaboration with patient advocacy groups

Essential Skills/Experience

• 5-10 years of related experience in Patient Advocacy, Public Health & Pharmaceutical Policy, Healthcare, or Communications
• In-depth knowledge of the rare disease patient advocacy community and customer groups in Canada, the Canadian healthcare system, and public health environment including the interrelationship between patient advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare practitioners, and governments/payers.
• Deep understanding, or curiosity about, of the needs and challenges faced by people living with rare diseases including their caregivers
• Proven track record of successful interactions with patient advocates and patient advocacy groups in Canada
• Solid knowledge of the medicines lifecycle and how patients and patient advocacy groups can engage with industry at each phase of the lifecycle
• Strong communication and presentation skills allow you to share sophisticated information in dynamic environments
• Agile, excelling in a constantly evolving environment
• Proven planning and organizational skills with experience handling multiple priorities; ability to prioritize in a shifting environment with a sense of urgency
• Previous experience in rare disease is strongly preferred
• Ability to travel across Canada (~20%)
• Most importantly, a passion for compassionate and ethical engagement of patients in science and healthcare

At Alexion, you will find a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and a diverse environment where your contributions are valued. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of rare disease research and make a substantial difference in patients' lives.

Alexion embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting career at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.