Director, Medical Communications

Overview

Opportunity awaits those up to the challenge of developing transformative therapies across a broad range of debilitating diseases.

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

• 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.

• 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.).

• 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:
Up to 20% travel to support scientific congresses and cross-functional collaboration.

Doctorate Degree

Base salary for this role will consider multiple factors, including but not limited to, candidate qualifications, relevant expertise, specialized skills, and industry experience in complement-targeted therapies. The targeted base salary range for this position is $195,000-$293,000. This range represents the base salary only and reflects Apellis' commitment to competitive compensation within the biopharmaceutical industry. The final salary offered may vary based on individual qualifications, business needs, and current market conditions.

Hybrid

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.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company leading the way in complement science 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 C3-targeting medicines approved to treat four serious diseases. Breakthroughs for patients include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness, and the first treatment for patients 12 and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN, two severe, rare kidney diseases.

We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

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…