--- title: 'Senior Director, US Patient Marketing at Xenon Pharmaceuticals' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-us-patient-marketing-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-831qm3mbe0em' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Senior Director, US Patient Marketing at Xenon Pharmaceuticals - **Company:** Xenon Pharmaceuticals - **Location:** Boston, MA - **Compensation:** $279k–$309k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-03-25 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xenon/2b4b633f-bd94-4ebb-a250-5fdf78025943/application **Skills:** Patient Marketing Strategy, Regulatory Compliance, Budget Management, Vendor Management, Data Analytics, Project Management, US Large Category Launch Experience, Epilepsy/Neurology Experience > Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, patient-centered marketing strategy for Xenon's first commercial launch. This senior role involves building and managing a high-performing Patient Marketing team, defining value propositions, and partnering with cross-functional leadership to ensure a seamless p... ## Job description 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 anticipate submitting 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: We are seeking an experienced Senior Director, US Patient Marketing to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, patient‑centered marketing strategy in support of Xenon’s first commercial launch and future growth. This role will be a senior member of the US Marketing organization and will be accountable for shaping the U.S. patient and caregiver brand strategy, ensuring a seamless, compliant, and impactful patient experience from disease awareness through long‑term treatment engagement. The Senior Director will build and lead a high‑performing Patient Marketing team and partner closely with Patient Services, Advocacy, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Legal, Regulatory, and Commercial leadership to ensure alignment, execution excellence, and meaningful impact for patients and caregivers. This position reports to the Vice President, Marketing and will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. We will consider remote locations for exceptional candidates. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week. ## RESPONSIBILITIES: Patient & Caregiver Strategy - Lead the development of a comprehensive U.S. patient and caregiver marketing strategy, including unbranded disease education and branded patient engagement initiatives - Define patient and caregiver value propositions, journey frameworks, and engagement strategies across the continuum of care - Ensure a deeply patient‑centric approach that reflects real‑world needs, barriers, and lived experiences Launch Planning & Execution - Serve as the Patient Marketing lead for U.S. launch readiness, ensuring patient programs, materials, and services are launch‑ready - Partner with cross‑functional launch teams to integrate patient marketing into overall brand and launch strategy - Develop phased launch plans that evolve from pre‑launch education through post‑launch activation and adherence support Integrated Patient Engagement Ecosystem - Lead development of an integrated, compliant patient engagement ecosystem, including digital, non‑personal, and field‑enabled channels - Oversee creation of patient‑focused content, tools, and resources that support education, onboarding, activation, and persistence - Leverage data, analytics, and insights to optimize patient engagement and personalize experiences over time Advocacy & Patient Voice - Partner closely with Patient Advocacy to ensure patient voices and perspectives are embedded across strategy, content, and programs - Support development and execution of patient advisory boards and community engagement initiatives - Ensure alignment with advocacy partners while maintaining compliance and transparency Cross‑Functional Leadership - Collaborate with Medical Affairs, Patient Services, Market Access, Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, and Commercial Operations to deliver a cohesive patient experience - Partner with Insights & Analytics to define success metrics, monitor performance, and continuously improve patient programs - Act as the patient marketing subject‑matter expert to senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders Agency, Budget & Vendor Management - Select, manage, and lead external agency partners and vendors - Own patient marketing budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and ROI - Ensure all activities adhere to regulatory, legal, and promotional review requirements ## Team Leadership & Capability Building - Build, mentor, and lead a high‑performing Patient Marketing team - Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and patient‑first thinking - Develop patient marketing capabilities that can scale with portfolio and organizational growth - 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 - Other duties as assigned ## QUALIFICATIONS: - Minimum undergraduate degree, advanced degree preferred. 12+ years of relevant experience or combination of degrees and experience. - US large category launch and epilepsy/neurology experience highly preferred - Proven experience leading patient marketing strategy - Demonstrated success building and leading high‑impact teams in a matrixed environment; and collaborating and influencing cross-functionally - Deep understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements related to patient marketing - Strong strategic thinking, communication, and executive presence; outstanding project and budget management skills and track record for managing multiple vendors, - Ability to travel up to ~25% 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. ## About Xenon Pharmaceuticals ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing life-changing therapeutics for people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders. - **Entity Type**: Public (Ticker: XENE on Nasdaq) - **Headquarters**: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada - **Founded**: 1996 - **Founders**: Not publicly listed as individual founders; the company was founded based on a platform science capable of discovering new genetic targets to treat human disease. ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Pharmaceuticals - **Target customers**: Patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders (epilepsy, major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, pain); healthcare providers; payers. - **Mission or purpose statement**: "To deliver innovative medicines that provide a brighter future for people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders." [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) ## Products & Services Xenon’s pipeline is focused on ion channel science, specifically potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators. - **Azetukalner (KV7 Potassium Channel Opener)**: The lead late-stage investigational candidate. It is in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials for: - Focal onset seizures (Phase 3 X-TOLE2 completed, X-TOLE3 ongoing) - Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Phase 3 X-ACKT) - Major depressive disorder (Phase 3 X-NOVA2 and X-NOVA3) - Bipolar depression (Phase 3 X-CEED) - **XEN1120 (KV7 Potassium Channel Opener)**: An early-stage (Phase 1) candidate for the treatment of pain. - **XEN1701 (NaV1.7 Sodium Channel Inhibitor)**: An early-stage (Phase 1) candidate for the treatment of pain. - **NBI-921355 (Partnered with Neurocrine Biosciences)**: A NaV1.2/1.6 inhibitor in development for epilepsy, pain, and psychiatry. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline) ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available in the provided search results. As a public company, this fluctuates daily. - **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of $7.5M (as per LinkedIn). As a clinical-stage biotech, the primary focus is on pipeline progress and cash runway rather than revenue. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Neurocrine Biosciences (partner for NBI-921355). The company has also had strategic partnerships with multiple premier biopharmaceutical companies focused on pain, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) - **Growth Signals**: The company is in a significant growth phase, having initiated multiple Phase 3 clinical trials for its lead candidate, azetukalner, across epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and bipolar depression. This represents a major expansion of its clinical pipeline and a transition towards a late-stage, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) ## Competitive Advantages - **Deep Expertise in Ion Channel Biology**: Xenon is one of the scientific leaders in ion channel drug discovery, with a specific focus on potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators. This is a highly specialized and technically difficult area of drug development. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) - **Proprietary Pipeline**: The company has a wholly-owned, late-stage pipeline led by azetukalner, a novel KV7 potassium channel opener being studied across multiple high-need indications (epilepsy, MDD, bipolar depression). This provides significant potential upside and control over its future. - **Strong Scientific Foundation**: Founded on a platform capable of discovering new genetic targets, the company has a deep history of translating genetic insights into novel therapeutic candidates. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) - **Strategic Partnerships**: A history of partnerships with premier biopharmaceutical companies (e.g., Neurocrine Biosciences) validates its platform and provides non-dilutive funding. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) ## Strategic Focus - **Advancing Late-Stage Pipeline**: The primary focus is on executing the Phase 3 clinical programs for azetukalner across epilepsy, major depressive disorder, and bipolar depression, with the goal of regulatory approval and commercialization. - **Expanding Early-Stage Pipeline**: Continuing to advance early-stage candidates (XEN1120, XEN1701) for pain and other high-need indications. - **Building a Fully Integrated Company**: Transitioning from a discovery and development company to one with commercial capabilities, as evidenced by the hiring of a Chief Commercial Officer. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) - **Deepening Ion Channel Leadership**: Maintaining its position as a scientific leader in ion channel drug discovery, with a deep focus on potassium (KV7) and sodium (NaV) channel modulators. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) ## Why Work Here - **Mission-Driven Work**: Employees are united by a clear and compelling mission to deliver innovative medicines for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders who have been underserved for too long. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) - **Culture of Collaboration and Impact**: The company describes itself as collaborative, ambitious, resilient, ethical, and science-driven. The culture is shaped by the "XenonCARES" program, which focuses on professional growth, wellness, and community. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) - **Competitive Compensation & Benefits**: Offers a total compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (US and Canada), a retirement savings program with a generous employer match, and a tuition reimbursement program. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) - **Work Flexibility**: The company values flexibility and provides a stipend for work-from-home setups. They also offer generous paid vacation time and an annual holiday shutdown. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) - **Growth & Development**: Recognizes and supports team member growth through leadership and development opportunities, a tuition reimbursement program, and recognition programs for both big and small wins. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) - **Work Model**: Hybrid/Remote-friendly with a stipend for home office setups. Offices are located in Burnaby, British Columbia (HQ) and the United States. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) - **Diversity & Inclusion**: The company states it cultivates and celebrates diversity, viewing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions as a great asset, and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) ## Sources 1. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/) 2. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/about) 3. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/join-us) 4. [xenon-pharma.com](https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline) 5. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/xenonpharma) ## Other roles at Xenon Pharmaceuticals - [Clinical Trial Associate 1 or 2](https://feeny.ai/job/clinical-trial-associate-1-or-2-xenon-pharmaceuticals-vancouver-8q5ywamr8kkx) — Vancouver, Canada - [Director/Senior Director, Corporate Communications](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-corporate-communications-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-68egm8wwc95s) — Boston, MA - [Senior Manager/Associate Director, Quality Assurance, GCP](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-associate-director-quality-assurance-gcp-xenon-pharmaceuticals-brx3p0gvjntd) — Boston, MA - [Associate Director, Legal Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-legal-project-manager-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-dg7vp5w0dkdf) — Boston, MA - [Associate Director, CMC, Drug Product](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-cmc-drug-product-xenon-pharmaceuticals-vancouver-fqxm9mxz10yv) — Vancouver, Canada - [Associate Director, CMC, Drug Product](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-cmc-drug-product-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-5qxa3jg5t172) — Boston, MA - [Associate Director, Quality Control](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-quality-control-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-9w8y1tdkvc09) — Boston, MA - [Associate Director, Quality Control](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-quality-control-xenon-pharmaceuticals-vancouver-penq538tmz4q) — Vancouver, Canada - [Manager/Senior Manager, Clinical Supplies](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-senior-manager-clinical-supplies-xenon-pharmaceuticals-boston-8m6nx6hrfj5x) — Boston, MA - [Associate Director/Director, Development Program Management, CMC](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-director-development-program-management-cmc-xenon-89ek6c47bep8) — Boston, MA