Director, Marketing – Alixorexton

Job Description

We are seeking a Director, Marketing – Alixorexton to play a central role in preparing for the launch of a novel therapy for narcolepsy based on orexin-2 receptor agonism. Reporting to the Senior Director, Marketing – Alixorexton, this leader will drive critical components of pre‑launch strategy and execution while building the foundation for a successful commercial launch.

This is a high‑visibility role with meaningful ownership and impact. The Director will shape core elements of brand strategy, customer engagement, and launch readiness while partnering cross‑functionally across Commercial, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, and Sales. This position offers significant opportunity for growth—both within the brand team as launch approaches and more broadly across a rapidly evolving organization. Alkermes has adopted a hybrid working environment to support and meet the needs of employees and this role will operate in a flexible environment with 60% of time in the office and 40% from home.

• Lead priority pre‑launch initiatives in partnership with the Senior Director, ensuring alignment to overall brand strategy and launch milestones
• Translate brand positioning into actionable launch plans across HCP and patient segments
• Support commercial input into cross‑functional activities including label planning, forecasting assumptions, KOL strategy, and field readiness
• Drive development of key launch deliverables including core messaging documents, disease state narratives, and foundational campaign assets

• Support development and refinement of brand positioning, value proposition, and messaging frameworks
• Lead execution of branded and unbranded materials in partnership with agencies and internal stakeholders
• Ensure consistency and scientific integrity across all customer‑facing content
• Contribute to disease education strategy and execution

• Partner with MRCI team to define and execute the annual market research plan
• Synthesize market research, analytics, and forecasting inputs to inform strategy, prioritize initiatives, and refine execution plans; monitor competitive landscape and adjust tactics proactively

• Serve as day‑to‑day marketing lead for designated work streams, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Legal, and Medical to drive efficient content review and approval processes
• Manage agency partners and vendors, ensuring high‑quality, insight‑driven output
• Contribute to long‑range brand planning and scenario modeling
• Drive disciplined budget management and operational execution
• Support development of key brand and franchise‑level presentations and communications for senior leadership and cross‑functional forums

• Establish and track key performance indicators for pre‑launch initiatives, ensuring disciplined execution against milestones, budget, and quality standards
• Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and Medical to develop efficient and scalable review processes

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years of professional marketing or related experience

• 8–12+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech commercial experience, including 3–5+ years in U.S. marketing
• Experience supporting pre‑launch or launch activities for specialty or rare disease brands
• Strong project leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and drive alignment in complex, matrixed environments
• Solid understanding of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem and regulatory environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage agencies and budgets effectively
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience in CNS, sleep medicine, or rare neurological diseases strongly preferred
• Prior experience launching a first‑in‑class mechanism or establishing a new treatment category
• Exposure to start‑up or emerging biotech environments with comfort navigating ambiguity and building infrastructure
• Familiarity with orexin biology or narcolepsy patient…