Senior Director, Medical 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. Position Summary / Objective Serves as the senior communications leader and strategic partner to the SVP of Global Medical Affairs and the Medical Leadership Team, designing and delivering integrated internal and external communications strategies that advance Medical's priorities, scientific leadership, and role within the broader Commercialization organization. Provides executive communications counsel to the SVP of Global Medical as a trusted advisor, identifying and activating opportunities where the SVP's voice can elevate BMS's reputation in medical and scientific communities through speaking engagements, media opportunities, thought leadership platforms, and other high-value forums. Drives the strategic narrative for Global Medical, ensuring Medical's contributions, capabilities, and impact are consistently and compellingly communicated to internal and external stakeholders across enterprise channels. Supports the successful evolution of Global Medical's business model by developing and implementing communications strategies that inform colleagues, accelerate performance, and build a culture of engagement across the organization. Elevates Global Medical's profile across BMS by spotlighting key value stories that demonstrate tangible impact, scientific leadership, and meaningful contributions to patient outcomes and commercial objectives. Position Responsibilities Develops and executes integrated, multi-channel communications plans that inform and engage stakeholders about Medical's mission, strategic priorities, impact agenda, and critical role in executing Commercialization business plans, including Medical Evidence Generation, Scientific Leadership, product launches, and Medical's evolving operating model. Provides dedicated executive communications counsel and support to the SVP of Global Medical, encompassing both internal communications (organization announcements, town halls, videos, speaking engagements, slide development, intranet messages, and business briefing reports) and external communications (speaking engagements, media opportunities, social media content, and articles aligned with CLT Thought Leadership plans). Provides executive communications counsel and support to members of the Global Medical Leadership Team, guiding communications cascade, engagement activities, and leader visibility efforts that are consistent with enterprise messaging and the broader Commercialization narrative. Develops above-brand Medical communications messaging and strategy, coordinating implementation across the Medical organization worldwide and collaborating with disease area and therapeutic area communications leads to ensure cohesion and alignment. Identifies, develops, and supports unique storylines, content, and positioning opportunities for Medical leaders in alignment with broader company and Commercialization narratives, ensuring Medical's voice is integrated into enterprise-level thought leadership plans. Produces impactful communications across all relevant formats and channels, including town hall content, organization announcements, videos, slideware, briefing materials, toolkits, web and social media content, and articles, ensuring all content aligns with BMS brand strategies in tone, style, and channel approach. Drives employee engagement and high performance within the Medical organization by developing and executing communications plans that motivate employees to understand and act on the company's mission, strategic priorities, and culture in their daily work. Manages and curates the ongoing creation, maintenance, and oversight of content that serves Global Medical's business needs across digital platforms, including the Medical SharePoint site, Yammer group, and other enterprise channels. Develops and fosters collaborative relationships across Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communications, commercial, and scientific teams to ensure strategic alignment and drive cohesive, complementary communications in support of broader BMS objectives. Coordinates closely with media and external communications teams to advance external thought leadership for Global Medical, including speaking forum coordination, social and digital content development, and media engagement. Collaborates with and manages approved external agencies, resources, and suppliers contracted to provide expertise or execution support for Medical communications activities and stakeholder engagement. Responds to ad hoc requests from Strategy and Operations, functional groups, matrix partners, and enterprise-wide initiatives as appropriate to support Medical's involvement in broader company business activities and programs. Stays abreast of trends, technological advances, and best practices in communications across the life sciences industry and applies those insights to continuously improve Medical communications strategy and execution. Utilizes business intelligence and analytics to inform communications strategies, measure impact, and continuously improve stakeholder audience engagement. Degree Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree a plus. Experience Requirements Minimum 12 years of relevant communications experience, with a demonstrated track record in executive communications, internal and external communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Prior experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or a related medical science business required. Experience supporting medical affairs, scientific, or R&D organizations is strongly preferred. Key Competency Requirements Demonstrated business acumen and experience in the life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries, with the ability to translate complex scientific and medical concepts into compelling, accessible communications. Proven ability to effectively counsel and influence senior leaders, serving as a trusted strategic advisor in both communications and business settings. Exceptional collaborative and teaming skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and counterparts at all levels of the company, both within Corporate Affairs and across the broader matrix. Advanced written, verbal, editing, and interpersonal skills, including hands-on experience developing business leader communications and executive materials. Strong strategic planning, process management, and business planning skills, with superior critical thinking and sound business judgment. Proven track record of proactively identifying solutions to complex communications challenges and creating innovative approaches in a rapidly changing environment. Strong consultative and creativity skills with a keen attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to balance multiple initiatives with competing priorities. High learning agility and ability to quickly adapt to evolving technologies, business needs, and enterprise priorities. Proficiency with digital communications and effective use of social media and enterprise platforms, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, LinkedIn, Yammer, and video and podcast production tools. Ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Demonstration of all Core BMS Behaviors: Passion, Innovation, Accountability, and Speed. #LI-Hybrid We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if t