Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world.  We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual.  At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit. Job Function: Communications & Corporate/External Affairs Job Sub Function: External Communications Job Category: Professional All Job Posting Locations: New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America, Raritan, New Jersey, United States of America, Titusville, New Jersey, United States of America Job Description: We are searching for the best talent to join our team as the Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs, Innovative Medicine. This is a hybrid role that can sit in our New Brunswick, Raritan or Titusville New Jersey office location. The Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs, Innovative Medicine, develops and executes integrated strategies that advance Johnson & Johnson’s business development and external innovation priorities. The Director serves as communications counselor to two senior leaders: the Global Head of Innovative Medicine Business Development and the Global Head of Discovery, Product Development and Supply within Research and Development (R&D). The Director translates complex science and M&A strategy into clear, compelling narratives for media, investors, policy makers and prospective partners. The role strengthens Johnson & Johnson’s position as a partner of choice, enhances trust and partnerships, and ensures disciplined, compliant communications. This role reports to the Senior Director, Global Head of Portfolio Communications and Public Affairs. Key Responsibilities Business Development & External Innovation Communications Strategy Develop and lead an integrated communications and public affairs strategies for Innovative Medicine Business Development, Discovery, Product Development and Supply, and External Scientific Innovation priorities, including partnerships, licensing, acquisitions, divestments, co-development and strategic collaborations. Create and maintain a messaging platform that articulates Innovative Medicine’s innovation strategy, scientific leadership and partnership approach for media, investors, policy leaders, industry stakeholders and prospective partners. Translate complex scientific, product development and M&A strategies into clear, compelling narratives that support enterprise priorities and strengthen reputation. Deal Lifecycle Communications (Announcements, Milestones, Integration-Readiness) Lead or co-lead communications for priority deals and partnerships, from pre-announcement planning through announcement signings, close and post-announcement integration. Develop core communications materials, including message maps, Q&As, executive talking points, internal announcements and stakeholder communications, in alignment with Legal, HCC/Regulatory, Finance, Investor Relations and Global Corporate Affairs requirements. Lead communications readiness and rapid response for deal-related media inquiries, competitive activity and regulatory developments. Partner with integration leaders on change communications, employee engagement and cultural integration, ensuring clarity on the strategic rationale, roles and expected value. External Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Shape public affairs strategies related to innovation, partnering and the business environment, in coordination with Global and Regional Public Affairs teams. Identify and engage priority external stakeholders, including industry groups, scientific communities, innovation ecosystems, patient and advocacy organizations, and policy leaders, to strengthen credibility and partnership opportunities. Develop thought-leadership opportunities that reinforce Johnson & Johnson’s position as an innovation leader and partner of choice. Reputation, Media Relations & Issues Management Partner with Media Relations and Therapeutic Area communications teams to shape the external narrative and protect reputation during sensitive developments involving deals, partnerships and scientific innovation. Counsel senior leaders on communications strategy, media interviews and external engagements for business development, R&D related to M&A and innovation topics. Monitor trends and stakeholder sentiment across the biotechnology ecosystem, dealmaking, AI and digital health, and advanced modalities, and translate insights into proactive communications and risk mitigation. Governance, Operational Excellence & Measurement Establish repeatable processes and tools, including deal communications playbooks, briefing templates and review workflows, to enable efficient, compliant execution and clear accountability across global, regional and local teams. Define success measures and reporting with Strategy & Transformation and analytics partners, using insights such as share of voice, message pull-through and stakeholder engagement to improve performance. Manage agency partners and budgets as needed, ensuring high-quality work, fiscal discipline and effective integration with internal teams. Leadership & Collaboration Serve as the dedicated communications counselor to the senior leaders of the Innovative Medicine Business Development and Discovery, Product Development and Supply teams, and represent Communications and Public Affairs on both Leadership Teams. Advise External Scientific Innovation leaders as needed, build alignment across the matrix and influence without direct authority. Build strong partnerships with therapeutic area communications, regional leads, Public Affairs, Investor Relations and Global Corporate Media Relations to ensure coordinated internal and external positioning. Contribute to a high-performing, inclusive team culture through mentoring, collaboration and proactive knowledge sharing. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science, Business, Life Sciences, or related field). Advanced degree (MBA, MS, MPH, MPP) preferred. Experience 10-12 years of experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs, public affairs or a related field; experience in biopharmaceuticals, healthcare or another highly regulated industry strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading complex, high-visibility programs with senior stakeholders, tight timelines, and high reputational risk. Experience supporting business development, partnerships, M&A, licensing, alliances, or innovation ecosystems preferred. Experience working effectively in global, matrixed organizations and coordinating across multiple functions and geographies. Skills & Competencies Excellent writing and editorial judgment; ability to translate complex science, strategy, and deal terms into clear, accurate communications for diverse audiences. Strong strategic thinking, executive presence and demonstrated ability to counsel senior leaders and contribute effectively to Leadership Teams. Issues management capability, including scenario planning, risk assessment, and rapid response in coordination with cross-functional partners. Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence without direct authority. Understanding of compliance requirements for communications in regulated environments (e.g., Legal, HCC, Regulatory, and disclosure