Director, Marketing - Thought Leader Engagement Strategy
Kura Oncology, Inc.
August 13, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Marketing
Essential Job Functions
- Lead the development and execution of thought leader (opinion leader) engagement strategies supporting KOMZIFTI (ziftomenib) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) NPM1-mutant AML.
- Transform field-based observations into actionable business recommendations that influence brand strategy and commercial execution.
- Partner with Regional Marketing, Brand Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Sales Leadership, and Compliance to identify trends and shape advocacy development and insights.
Responsibilities
- OL Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute OL engagement aligned to brand objectives; identify HCP engagement trends and implement new physician education/interaction models; coordinate customer engagement strategies.
- OL Mapping: Build thought leader segmentation frameworks; develop annual/quarterly engagement plans; create influence maps; monitor evolving stakeholder landscape.
- Advocacy Development: Design and execute advocacy strategies; set advocacy goals/progression plans; engage neutral/competitive physicians; monitor advocacy movement.
- Insight Generation & Strategic Interpretation: Capture/synthesize/prioritize KOL insights; convert observations into strategic recommendations; identify trends, threats, unmet needs; deliver executive analyses.
- Speaker Bureau & Peer-to-Peer Education: Own speaker bureau strategy (content, speaker recruitment/training/development/performance); evaluate and evolve model; develop peer-to-peer education approaches.
- Advisory Boards & Customer Insights: Plan/execute advisory boards and insight initiatives; define objectives/discussion topics; synthesize insights into recommendations.
- Congress Strategy & Execution: Lead congress strategy for major meetings; develop engagement tactics/events; assess outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, PharmD, PhD, MPH, or equivalent) preferred.
- 8+ years biotech/pharma experience with significant oncology marketing; hematology strongly preferred.
- Proven experience leading OL engagement initiatives (speaker programs, advisory boards, KOL engagement, congress).
- Ability to develop/execute strategic customer engagement plans in a regulated environment; transform observations into business decisions.
- Strong cross-functional leadership (Commercial, Medical Affairs, Sales, Regulatory, Legal, Compliance); influence without authority.
- Excellent communication/presentation/relationship skills; experience managing external agencies/vendors; travel up to 30%.
Preferred Qualifications
- AML and/or hematologic malignancy experience; oncology product launch experience.
- Experience with innovative physician engagement beyond traditional speakers.
- Digital/omnichannel experience; sales experience or strong field sales partnerships.
The Kura Package (explicitly listed)
- Career development; competitive compensation; annual bonus.
- 401K with employer contributions; generous stock options; ESPP.
- 20 days PTO; 18 holidays; generous benefits; paid maternity/paternity leave.
- In-office catered lunches; home office setup; lifestyle spending stipend; Boston commuter stipend.
- Social activities (e.g., happy hours, birthday celebrations, Kura Koffee Talks).
- Lead the development and execution of thought leader (opinion leader) engagement strategies supporting KOMZIFTI (ziftomenib) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) NPM1-mutant AML.
- Transform field-based observations into actionable business recommendations that influence brand strategy and commercial execution.
- Partner with Regional Marketing, Brand Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Sales Leadership, and Compliance to identify trends and shape advocacy development and insights.
Responsibilities
- OL Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute OL engagement aligned to brand objectives; identify HCP engagement trends and implement new physician education/interaction models; coordinate customer engagement strategies.
- OL Mapping: Build thought leader segmentation frameworks; develop annual/quarterly engagement plans; create influence maps; monitor evolving stakeholder landscape.
- Advocacy Development: Design and execute advocacy strategies; set advocacy goals/progression plans; engage neutral/competitive physicians; monitor advocacy movement.
- Insight Generation & Strategic Interpretation: Capture/synthesize/prioritize KOL insights; convert observations into strategic recommendations; identify trends, threats, unmet needs; deliver executive analyses.
- Speaker Bureau & Peer-to-Peer Education: Own speaker bureau strategy (content, speaker recruitment/training/development/performance); evaluate and evolve model; develop peer-to-peer education approaches.
- Advisory Boards & Customer Insights: Plan/execute advisory boards and insight initiatives; define objectives/discussion topics; synthesize insights into recommendations.
- Congress Strategy & Execution: Lead congress strategy for major meetings; develop engagement tactics/events; assess outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, PharmD, PhD, MPH, or equivalent) preferred.
- 8+ years biotech/pharma experience with significant oncology marketing; hematology strongly preferred.
- Proven experience leading OL engagement initiatives (speaker programs, advisory boards, KOL engagement, congress).
- Ability to develop/execute strategic customer engagement plans in a regulated environment; transform observations into business decisions.
- Strong cross-functional leadership (Commercial, Medical Affairs, Sales, Regulatory, Legal, Compliance); influence without authority.
- Excellent communication/presentation/relationship skills; experience managing external agencies/vendors; travel up to 30%.
Preferred Qualifications
- AML and/or hematologic malignancy experience; oncology product launch experience.
- Experience with innovative physician engagement beyond traditional speakers.
- Digital/omnichannel experience; sales experience or strong field sales partnerships.
The Kura Package (explicitly listed)
- Career development; competitive compensation; annual bonus.
- 401K with employer contributions; generous stock options; ESPP.
- 20 days PTO; 18 holidays; generous benefits; paid maternity/paternity leave.
- In-office catered lunches; home office setup; lifestyle spending stipend; Boston commuter stipend.
- Social activities (e.g., happy hours, birthday celebrations, Kura Koffee Talks).