Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science, Business, Life Sciences, or related field).
• 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.
• 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 considerations).

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, MPH, MPP) preferred.
• Experience in biopharmaceuticals, healthcare or another highly regulated industry preferred.

Benefits

• This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
• Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation –120 hours per calendar year; Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year; Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year; Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child; Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year; Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days; Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year; Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year