Global Director, Research & Development Communications

Job Description

About This Role

The Global Director, Research & Development (R&D) Communications will lead all aspects of the development and execution of a coordinated internal and external communications strategy for R&D and extend the company’s science and innovation narrative. The person in this role will lead organizational and internal communications for Research and Development, drive internal/external execution of priority communication initiatives, and oversee internal and external engagement preparation, working directly with two of Biogen’s Executive Committee members.

Success in this role requires an interest in science and medicine, storytelling and the ability to create integrated communication plans aimed at multiple different audiences. The person in this role needs to be able to collaborate closely with senior leaders, to communicate complex and sensitive information, while aligning to the overall narrative of R&D and the company.

What You’ll Do

• Demonstrate integration of knowledge from internal and external networks; multi-stakeholder insights; broad understanding of the business and industry priorities to drive business and reputation outcomes
• Build a deep understanding of Biogen’s capabilities, pipeline and scientific aspirations
• Uncover communication needs within the R&D organization and focus on high-value communications work to achieve desired outcomes
• Originate R&D signature programs to extend the science and innovation narrative with external stakeholders
• Work closely with R&D Strategy and Operations team members to ensure planning and execution of major events, including townhalls, employee forums, and external speaking opportunities
• Develops internal and external communications materials that articulate and support R&D’s strategy, culture, narrative and objectives
• Drives the R&D organization forward by successfully linking goals with communications and creating compelling materials across a variety of channels
• Uses active listening techniques to find highest-impact opportunities for Communications strategies. Involves business partners in Communications’ strategic planning process to ensure proper buy-in and prioritization of resources
• Drives focus on work with measurable outcomes, assesses progress on goals and course-corrects as needed. Tracks and reports outcome-focused metrics
• Supply strategic counsel to the Head of Research and Head of Development on internal and external communications activities, ensuring leadership effectiveness and alignment

Who You Are

You are enthusiastic about how science can be harnessed to help people live healthier lives and understand how to share that passion through traditional and modern communication methods. You understand the biotechnology landscape and are excited by the opportunity to help reforge Biogen’s place in that landscape and bring along the R&D organization on that journey.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional communications experience, with a mix of internal and external communications ability
• Executive presence and business acumen to engage leaders and leadership teams
• Ability to align communication strategies to business strategies
• Strong understanding of the biotechnology value chain and industry
• A highly skilled writer, who is both creative and precise
• Experience with originating content for executive-level leaders
• Outstanding people skills, while focusing on executing with urgency
• Excited by the opportunity to work across functions within a matrixed environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in Communications or Journalism

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Biogen?

Our mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired.