Associate Director, Strategy & Media Relations

Responsibilities

• Execute a global, top-tier media strategy aligned with corporate positioning to advance the company narrative and enhance reputation through proactive and opportunistic engagement across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Drive continual cadence of news flow, managing sequence and strategy of announcements.
• Identify, develop and pitch unique storylines and content opportunities that advance the company’s strategic positioning.
• Build and maintain relationships with top-tier media, manage incoming media requests, and execute proactive and opportunistic media outreach.
• Develop media materials including pitches, talking points for interviews, etc.
• Prepare background and briefing materials, plan logistics, and train spokespeople for critical media and public speaking opportunities.
• Demonstrate strong judgment and superior media acumen when engaging with reporters.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of best-in-class media resources, driving consistency, usability and operational excellence across teams.
• Champion the thoughtful use of AI and emerging tools to drive smarter insights, elevate content and improve the efficiency and impact of media engagement.
• Closely monitor external trends and insights to advise on where and how BMS should have a voice and to continually inform media strategy development.

Requirements

• Minimum education of a bachelor’s degree is required. Field of study in communications, journalism or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of media relations experience is required. Pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
• Excellent writing and research skills, with knowledge of AP style and a keen attention to detail.
• Existing relationships with top business, consumer and financial media.
• Strong business acumen, with a demonstrated ability to understand and translate business strategy.
• Strong writing and storytelling capabilities, with the ability to translate complex scientific, business, policy, or societal issues into clear, compelling messaging.
• Ability to effectively counsel senior leaders.
• Issues management experience preferred.
• Ability to interact effectively with many levels of colleagues across a complex, highly collaborative organization.
• Superior written, verbal, facilitation and interpersonal communications skills.

Preferred

• Field of study in communications, journalism or related field is preferred.