Associate Director, Product Communications

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA approved treatments for Parkinsons disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid to late stage programs in Alzheimer s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier stage programs that address other underserved patient needs.

At Acadia, we are here to be their difference.

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA or Princeton, NJ. Acadia s hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to drive product communications for our marketed therapies, Nuplazid and Daybue. In this highly visible role, you will shape and execute communication strategies that elevate awareness, understanding, and credibility of Acadia s life changing medicines across neurology and rare disease.

You will lead day to day product communications efforts, translating complex scientific and clinical data into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences including media, healthcare professionals, patients, and other key stakeholders. Nuplazid pimavanserin is the first FDA approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinsons disease psychosis, and Daybue trofinetide is the first and only FDA approved therapy for Rett syndrome.

By telling the stories behind these groundbreaking therapies, you will help advance Acadia s mission to improve the lives of patients and families facing serious neurological conditions.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Communications, you will partner closely with Commercial, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Legal, and other cross functional teams to ensure all product communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. You will serve as a key contact for product related media relations, lead communications around data milestones and announcements, collaborate with external agencies, and contribute to broader corporate and therapeutic area communication strategies.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and strategic thinker who thrives in a fast paced, highly regulated environment and excels at building trust with internal stakeholders and external partners. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by amplifying the voice of innovative therapies that address significant unmet needs.

• Develop and implement comprehensive product communications strategies and plans for Nuplazid and Daybue, supporting key business objectives and product milestones e.g. new data presentations, regulatory approvals, product launches.
• Write, edit, and manage external communication materials including press releases, media statements, FAQs, fact sheets, and backgrounders to effectively convey product news, clinical data, and other updates to the public, media, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Medical Affairs, Clinical, Regulatory, and Legal teams to gather information and ensure all product communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with Acadia s messaging and branding.
• Coordinate with public relations agencies and external partners on communications campaigns for product launches or data milestones, managing timelines, reviewing content, and ensuring alignment with corporate strategy.
• Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries related to Acadia s products, developing clear responses, preparing spokespeople with key talking points, and facilitating interviews as needed.
• Support issues management and crisis communication efforts for the products, helping to develop and execute communication plans in response to any emerging concerns or public queries.
• Contribute to the development of overarching communication strategies across multiple therapeutic areas including neurology and rare disease, ensuring consistent and mission oriented messaging that highlights the value of Acadia s innovations.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment regarding Acadia s products and therapeutic areas, providing insights and recommendations to adjust communication tactics or messaging as appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring alignment and prompt coordination on all communication activities.
• Other duties as assigned in support of Acadia s Corporate Communications and external affairs function.

Required:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  7+ years of communications and or…