Associate Director, Product Communications

Role Summary

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 medicines across neurology and rare disease. You will translate complex scientific and clinical data into clear narratives for external audiences including media, healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders. Nuplazid (pimavanserin) is the first FDA-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, and Daybue (trofinetide) is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for Rett syndrome. This role reports to the Executive Director of Corporate Communications and collaborates with Commercial, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Legal, and other cross functional teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with business objectives. Location: San Diego, CA or Princeton, NJ; hybrid model with three days in the office on average.

Responsibilities

• 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, working to develop clear responses, prepare spokespeople with key talking points, and facilitate 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 (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.

Qualifications

• Required: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
• Required: Experience: 7+ years of communications and/or public relations experience, with at least 3–5 years in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry in a communications role.
• Required: Proven experience developing and executing communication plans for product launches, data announcements, or media campaigns in the life sciences sector.
• Required: Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages and press materials (press releases, Q&As, presentations) from scientific or technical information.
• Required: Strong understanding of the healthcare media landscape and experience managing media relations, including responding to inquiries and engaging with journalists.
• Required: Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage projects in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Required: Knowledge of FDA regulations and compliance guidelines as they pertain to product communications and promotion (e.g. understanding of fair balance and promotional review requirements).
• Required: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional demeanor and ability to influence and advise senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Preferred: Advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related field (e.g. MBA, MS) is a plus.
• Preferred: Prior experience specifically in product communications or brand communications for pharmaceutical products, especially in neuroscience or rare disease therapeutic areas.
• Preferred: Experience working with or managing public relations agencies, including coordinating press events, media briefings, and external communications vendors.
• Preferred: Media training experience or experience serving as a company spokesperson in interviews/press briefings.
• Preferred: Familiarity with digital and social media strategies for healthcare communications.
• Preferred: Crisis communications and issues management experience in a regulated industry.
• Preferred: Passion for Acadia’s mission and knowledge of Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome therapeutic areas.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.
• Physical: Regular standing, walking, and sitting; use of hands for handling or operating equipment; may require reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and maintaining visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and when working remotely.
• Physical: Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds.