Associate Director, Digital Engagement and Innovation

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Digital Engagement and Innovation plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and operational excellence across the Medical Affairs digital ecosystem. This individual serves as a strategic partner in advancing digital initiatives, supporting innovative pilot programs, and ensuring seamless coordination between digital strategy and field execution. The role encompasses leadership of Medical Affairs IT governance, digital MSL program coordination, and identification of emerging technology opportunities to enhance scientific engagement and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• IT Governance Committee Leadership (30%)
  • Serve as primary Digital Innovation representative and potentially co-chair the Medical Affairs IT Governance Committee
  • Drive technology evaluation, selection, deployment, and lifecycle management for medical digital platforms
  • Lead vendor assessment and management processes, ensuring compliance, performance, and strategic alignment
  • Champion digital innovation pilots and AI initiatives through governance framework
  • Coordinate cross-functional alignment on digital strategy and project portfolio prioritization
  • Manage budget recommendations and resource allocation for technology investments
  • Facilitate resolution of technology issues through decision making and cross-functional coordination
  • Ensure technology decisions support Medical Affairs mission and corporate strategic goals
• Digital MSL Program Coordination (25%)
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize Digital Opinion Leader (DOL) lists for digital MSL engagement
  • Coordinate digital initiatives and provide operational support to 2 digital MSLs
  • Synthesize insights from digital MSL reports into actionable intelligence for strategic decision-making
  • Provide training and support on digital platforms, social listening tools, and engagement technologies
  • Bridge field digital insights back to internal digital strategy and governance decisions
  • Facilitate coordination between digital MSLs and therapeutic MSL teams for integrated approach
  • Support development of KPIs and benchmarks for digital engagement quality and impact measurement
• Innovation Scouting & Pilot Development (20%)
  • Research and evaluate emerging digital health technologies, AI solutions, and engagement platforms
  • Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape for potential adoption opportunities
  • Identify pilot opportunities based on field insights and stakeholder feedback
  • Develop comprehensive pilot proposals for governance committee review and approval
  • Support strategic innovation initiatives with tactical research and feasibility analysis
  • Document lessons learned and best practices from pilot implementations
• Digital Governance & Compliance (15%)
  • Develop, maintain, and implement digital standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance frameworks
  • Support audit readiness documentation for digital platforms and AI-enabled tools
  • Ensure regulatory alignment across digital channels in partnership with Legal, Compliance, and IT
  • Manage platform governance, access controls, and user permissions
  • Coordinate compliance reviews for digital content and engagement strategies
  • Maintain documentation of digital workflows and approval processes
• Digital Program Operations Coordination (10%)
  • Coordinate operational aspects of digital initiatives, ensuring timelines and milestones are met
  • Maintain documentation of digital workflows, project status and deliverables
  • Support content calendar maintenance and pull-through of digital communications
  • Own day-to-day management of MA digital vendors, including onboarding, performance monitoring and renewals

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, Digital Marketing, or related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PharmD/PhD) preferred. Equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.
• 8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience preferably in Medical Affairs with working knowledge of digital operations or healthcare innovation
• Proven experience in technology governance, project management, and cross-functional coordination
• Experience with digital platforms, vendor management, and compliance in regulated environments

Additional Skills/Experience/Requirements

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulatory standards (GxP, compliance requirements)
• Experience with CRM systems, digital engagement platforms, and medical technology tools
• Excellent project management, facilitation, and stakeholder communication skills
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with execution focus
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional collaboration
• Experience in change management and technology adoption initiatives
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to tailor messages to different audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data visualization tools
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and implement new strategies in fast-paced environment
• Willingness/ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Medical Affairs or pharmaceutical industry
• Knowledge of AI implementation, digital health technologies, or automation solutions
• Experience with IT governance frameworks and technology lifecycle management
• Background in rare diseases or therapeutic area expertise