Executive Director, Oncology DD & Commercialization Communications

Job description

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. Role The Executive Director, Oncology Drug Development & Commercialization Communications in Corporate Affairs, is responsible for the overall strategy, execution, and measurement of product, pipeline, and therapeutic area communications across BMS's oncology portfolio — spanning both Drug Development and Commercialization. This includes marketed brands, late-stage pipeline assets, new indications, and therapeutic areas including solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and cell therapy modalities. Leading a team of communications professionals, the Executive Director will serve as the primary Corporate Affairs advisor to senior leaders across both the Global Drug Development and Oncology Commercialization organizations, as well as their associated leadership teams. This role will partner closely with commercial, medical, regulatory, legal, and development functions, and operate within and across the Corporate Affairs matrix to drive integrated internal and external communications at every stage of the product lifecycle. The Executive Director will also lead internal communications to engage and inspire employees across oncology and will develop thought leadership programs for senior executives in both the development and commercialization organizations. This leader will guide above-brand oncology communications strategy, reputational issues management, and risk mitigation globally and in the U.S., with the overarching goal of elevating BMS's position as a leader in oncology and cancer care. What We're Looking For This individual is a leader with a competitive orientation and an exceptionally high level of competence and comfort interacting with, gaining trust from, and persuading key stakeholders at various levels within the organiztion. This leader is prepared to leverage those skills to advocate on behalf of BMS and position the company at the forefront of oncology innovation. A strategic thinker with a strong grasp of brand value and stakeholder mobilization, this leader brings deep expertise in corporate and healthcare policy, as well as the complex regulatory environment in the U.S. and other key markets. The ED will be an effective manager of direct and matrix teams, will collaborate closely with international communicators to support global milestone execution, and will have experience implementing large-scale stakeholder initiatives with both internal partners and outside resources. Above all, this is a passionate practitioner with the drive to win on behalf of BMS, the team, and the patients BMS serves. This leader is expected to manage a team of direct reports while embodying and advancing the company's People Strategy. The position is based in Princeton, NJ, with time also spent in Lawrenceville, NJ. Responsibilities Integrated Communications Strategy Lead global internal and external communications strategy and execution across BMS’s oncology portfolio, spanning marketed brands, new indications, late-stage assets, business development activity, and key therapeutic areas. Create above-brand campaigns and messaging that strengthen understanding of unmet patient needs and confidence in BMS’s oncology strategy and pipeline. Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility Strengthen BMS’s oncology reputation through integrated thought leadership, media, speaking, social, and digital programs. Develop measurable visibility plans for senior Drug Development and Commercialization leaders, aligned with Corporate Affairs priorities. Partner across commercial, medical, and development teams to advance a consistent BMS oncology narrative across audiences and channels. Milestone & Pipeline Communications Lead communications for data, regulatory, and medical meeting milestones across the oncology portfolio, including media, digital, employee, and market activation. Advise senior Drug Development and Commercialization leaders and represent Corporate Affairs on relevant leadership teams. Cross-Functional Partnership Represent Corporate Affairs in cross-functional and worldwide brand forums, shaping scenarios, messages, stakeholder engagement, and brand initiatives. Build integrated brand communications strategies with Corporate Communications, R&D Communications, Patient Advocacy, Access, Pricing and Policy, GPS Communications, and other partners. Provide communications counsel on manufacturing matters and identify proof points that reinforce confidence in BMS’s capabilities. Issues Management & Reputation Lead global oncology issues management, aligning portfolio-, brand-, and event-specific messaging across U.S. and international markets to mitigate risk and protect BMS’s reputation. Digital, Social & Editorial Lead the oncology editorial, social, and digital plan in support of business priorities and enterprise channel strategy. Build awareness of BMS oncology therapies through milestone communications, educational content, branded PR, campaigns, earned media, and appropriate patient, HCP, and advocacy voices. Global Markets Align global and market communications, providing plans and content early enough for effective local adaptation and execution. People & Operations Lead, coach, and develop the oncology communications team; clarify priorities, strengthen capabilities, and optimize resources and service models. Manage budgets, contracts, and agency partners to deliver strong performance and financial stewardship. Establish measurement practices to optimize performance and demonstrate impact against objectives. Requirements The successful candidate has 15+ years of experience in brand or corporate communications in the pharmaceutical industry, with a demonstrated track record of setting and delivering against integrated global communications strategies. This leader will bring expertise in strategic planning, issues management, internal communications, executive and thought leadership communications, social and digital media, and product communications across the product lifecycle — ideally spanning both development and commercial contexts. Bachelor's degree required, ideally in communications or a related field; Master's degree preferred. Accomplished communications professional with experience in pharmaceutical brand or corporate communications, public relations, or a related field. Pharmaceutical or healthcare experience required; oncology, hematology, cell therapy, or autoimmune experience preferred. Proven ability to drive successful brand and therapeutic area communications strategy in close coordination with commercial and development business partners. Exceptional collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively within Corporate Affairs and across the business to drive and scale communications strategies worldwide and in the U.S. Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior leadership in communications and business settings, with strong science acumen and a solid understanding of regulatory policy, R&D, pricing, and access. Strong problem-solving, management, and leadership skills, including direct experience leading teams of communications professionals. Superior written and interpersonal communication skills, with strong presentation and facilitation skills and the ability to engage and persuade a wide range of audiences. Ability to quickly internalize a complex business and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Deep knowledge of stakeholder engagement, content creation,