Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn. Summary of Position:
The Senior Director, Patient Marketing (US) will play a critical leadership role in the preparation for and execution of Scholar Rock’s first U.S. commercial launch. This role will be accountable for developing and driving the U.S. patient and caregiver marketing strategy and tactical execution for apitegromab, the first and only muscle-targeted therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
This individual will own the U.S. patient brand strategy from launch through commercialization, ensuring a deeply patient-centric approach across education, engagement, and community presence. The role will lead the development of integrated, compliant, multi-channel patient programs designed to support awareness, understanding, and empowerment throughout the patient journey.
As a senior leader on the U.S. Marketing Team, this role will work closely with Patient Services, Medical Affairs, Advocacy, Market Access, Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance to ensure a cohesive, high-quality experience for patients and caregivers. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with the opportunity to shape how Scholar Rock engages with the SMA community as it brings its first therapy to patients.
Position Responsibilities:
U.S. Patient Strategy & Launch Execution
Lead the development of the U.S. patient and caregiver brand strategy for apitegromab, grounded in a deep understanding of the SMA community, patient journey, and unmet needs.Own U.S. patient launch planning, including strategy, messaging, channel mix, and executional roadmap.Translate strategy into high-quality, compliant patient-facing tactics across digital, community, advocacy-aligned, and experiential channels.Ensure consistency and excellence across all patient touchpoints while maintaining a strong, authentic patient-centric lens.
Patient Engagement & Community Leadership
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships within the SMA patient and caregiver community.Lead the patient ambassador and engagement programs, including long-term retention and stewardship strategies.Own the U.S. patient conference and event strategy, elevating Scholar Rock’s presence and impact at key national, regional, and local meetings.Champion innovation in patient engagement, continuously evolving approaches to improve the patient experience across the journey.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as a core member of the U.S. Marketing Team, partnering closely with Patient Services, Medical Affairs, Advocacy, Market Access, Regulatory, Legal, and Compliance.Ensure strong alignment between patient marketing initiatives and patient support programs, including development of branded patient materials.Clearly communicate and champion patient brand strategy with internal stakeholders and external partners.Support field teams with tools, training, and resources to enable effective and compliant patient engagement at the local and regional level.
Agency, Budget & Operational Excellence
Own agency-of-record relationships for patient marketing, driving strategic value, innovation, and executional excellence.Lead the development of patient-facing assets, event kits, and materials to support consistent execution across the field.Manage the U.S. patient marketing and patient services marketing budget, demonstrating strong fiscal discipline and accountability.Oversee launch readiness, promotional review processes, and ongoing optimization of patient tactics.Conduct regular performance reviews and field training refreshers to ensure awareness, education, and effective use of patient resources.
Candidate Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology marketing, with significant experience in U.S. patient/consumer marketing.Demonstrated success leading patient marketing strategy and execution in specialty or rare disease environments.Experience in neurology, neuromuscular disease, or rare disease strongly preferred.Previous experience supporting or leading a product launch strongly preferred.Deep commitment to patient centricity with the ability to translate insight into impactful, compliant engagement.Strong understanding of regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements for patient-facing communications.Proven ability to lead agencies, manage budgets, and operate effectively in a matrixed organization.Excellent communication, influence, and stakeholder-management skills.Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a first-launch, high-growth environment.Willingness to travel as needed (anticipated up to ~30%).
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
