The posting
Who We Are:
Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/xene) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.
What We Do:
We are advancing an exciting product pipeline https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we submitted a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting. We continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates, including Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 and XEN1720 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7), which are being developed for pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.
About the Role:
The Director, HCP Marketing, will lead the development and execution of HCP education strategy to support brand objectives and drive appropriate product adoption across the US market. This role sits within US HCP Marketing and is responsible for delivering high-impact, compliant educational initiatives that improve disease understanding, clinical practice, and confidence in product use.
This individual will serve as a strategic partner during launch and pre-launch, ensuring education programs are insight-driven, differentiated, and tightly aligned with brand strategy and customer experience priorities.
This role is critical to shaping how healthcare providers understand, adopt, and ultimately deliver innovative therapies to patients. The Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring education is not only scientifically rigorous but also strategically differentiated—driving meaningful impact for both patients and the brand.
This position reports to the Senior Director, HCP Marketing, and will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. We will consider remote locations for exceptional candidates. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
HCP Education Strategy (Brand & Launch Focus)
- Lead the development of the US HCP education strategy aligned to brand goals, lifecycle stage (including launch-readiness), and key customer segments.
- Translate brand strategy, positioning, and customer insights into actionable, differentiated education plans.
- Identify priority HCP segments (specialists, community providers, advanced practice providers, etc.) and tailor education approaches accordingly.
- Serve as the education lead in brand planning, ensuring strong integration across omnichannel touchpoints.
Program Design & Execution
- Oversee the design and execution of HCP education programs, including:
- Peer-to-peer programs and speaker bureaus
- Congress strategy and educational presence
- Workshops, advisory boards, and training events
- Digital and on-demand learning platforms
- Develop compelling, insight-driven educational content aligned to clinical data and brand narrative.
- Ensure consistent and differentiated HCP experience across channels and programs.
Cross-Functional Integration
- Act as a central integrator across Marketing, Customer Engagement, Medical Affairs, Field Sales, Market Access, and Customer Experience teams.
- Partner closely with:
- Brand leads on strategy and messaging
- Medical Affairs on scientific accuracy and non-promotional education
- Field teams to enable execution and feedback loops
- Align with regulatory, legal, and compliance partners to ensure all programming meets internal and external standards.
KOL & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and manage relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), faculty, and professional societies.
- Lead faculty development, speaker training, and advisory board planning.
- Ensure KOL insights are incorporated into education strategy and content development.
Launch Excellence
- Support pre-launch readiness by:
- Mapping educational gaps and opportunities
- Building foundational disease-state education
- Developing launch-phase HCP onboarding and training strategies
- Ensure education programs accelerate awareness, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment in early launch phases.
Agency, Budget & Vendor Management
- Manage and lead external agency partners and vendors
- Own professional education marketing budget, ensuring effective resource allocation
- Ensure all activities adhere to regulatory, legal, and promotional review requirements
Performance & Analytics
- Define KPIs and success metrics (engagement, reach, behavior change, impact on brand performance).
- Leverage data and insights to continuously optimize education strategy and investment.
- Manage education budget and vendor partnerships effectively
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILTIES:
- Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans
- Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies
- Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices
- Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any
- Some international travel may be required
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years of relevant management experience or combination of degrees and experience including 3–5+ years in HCP marketing, professional education, or medical education roles
- Proven experience supporting product launches or major brand milestones
- Strong cross-functional leadership in a matrixed environment
- Deep expertise in HCP engagement and education strategy
- Strong brand and commercial acumen (especially in launch environments)
- Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements (FDA, PhRMA, ACCME as applicable)
- Exceptional communication, storytelling, and influence skills
- Data-driven decision-making and performance tracking
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to travel up to 25–40% (congresses, field engagement, training programs)
Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.
