Director, Patient Marketing – Ophthalmology

Apellis Pharmaceuticals

Director of Patient Marketing developing U.S. marketing strategy for Apellis' ophthalmology division.

Posted 5/7/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $200,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development of the end‑to‑end patient marketing strategy for Geographic Atrophy.
Translate patient insights, behavioral drivers, and market dynamics into compelling marketing plans that increase disease awareness and encourage informed, proactive care.
Build segmentation, targeting, value propositions, and message architecture tailored to diverse patient populations.
Oversee the development of integrated Patient marketing campaigns, including digital, TV, print, social, and audio.
Ensure all creative and media align with accessibility needs for patients experiencing vision impairment.
Responsible for digital strategy, including CRM, website, content strategy, inbound/outbound campaigns, and full-funnel media activation.
Design initiatives that improve patient engagement, onboarding, adherence, and ongoing treatment experience.
Oversee the development of patient education content, decision-support tools, and resources that empower individuals managing Geographic Atrophy.
Collaborate with Patient Services, Medical, Access, and Field teams to ensure alignment across the patient journey.
Partner with Market Research team in the design and execution of Patient and Caregiver research to understand patient journeys, motivations, and unmet needs in Geographic Atrophy.
Leverage analytics, KPIs, and performance dashboards to optimize Patient campaigns and media investments.
Monitor competitive activity and evolving standards of care within the space.
Partner closely with ECP Marketing, Professional Education, Medical Affairs, Access, Regulatory, and Legal to ensure integrated, compliant, and effective strategies.
Serve as the internal expert on patient and caregiver dynamics within ophthalmology.
Manage external agency partners and oversee budget planning, allocation, and performance management.
Contribute to annual brand planning and long-range strategic plans.
Support the launch of new products, indications, or life-cycle initiatives with Patient and Caregiver-focused strategies and campaigns.
Ensure communication reflects the company’s commitment to improving eye health and patient outcomes.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Life Sciences, or related field
5+ years leading high-performing teams
10+ years of progressive marketing experience, including significant Patient marketing experience in biotech, pharma, or healthcare
Proven success leading multi-channel Patient marketing programs
Experience operating in a highly regulated environment with close Medical/Legal/Regulatory partnership
Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking capabilities.
Preferred: Experience in ophthalmology, eye care, rare or chronic disease categories
Understanding of patient support programs, CRM, and digital experience platforms
Experience launching specialty or innovative treatments
MBA or advanced degree.

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k) plan with company match
Inclusive family building benefits
Flexible time off
Summer and winter shutdowns
Paid family leave
Disability and life insurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

patient marketing strategysegmentationtargetingvalue propositionsdigital strategycontent strategyinbound campaignsoutbound campaignsperformance dashboardsmulti-channel marketing

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationstrategic thinkingcollaborationpatient engagementbudget managementcreative alignmentanalytical skillsteam managementproblem-solving

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in MarketingBachelor’s degree in BusinessBachelor’s degree in Life SciencesMBAadvanced degree