Associate Director, Corporate & External Affairs, R&D Portfolio

Position Purpose:

The Associate Director, Corporate and External Affairs, R&D Portfolio will lead corporate and external affairs strategy for CSL’s pipeline.  The successful candidate will be responsible for driving communications for key pipeline milestones and clinical trials.  They will serve as a strategic partner on R&D policy.  They will lead issues and crisis management related to pipeline.  In addition, they will strengthen the company’s reputation within the Waltham biotech ecosystem and US to enhance and protect CSL’s reputation and policy position. 

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to: Head of Corporate and External Affairs, R&D

• Direct reports to position: 1

Main Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Serve as primary business partner and strategic advisor to SVP, Portfolio Development, SVP, GRAS and VP, Portfolio and Operations Excellence to shape and communicate portfolio development strategies and milestones, ensuring alignment with business objectives and external stakeholder expectations.

• Develop and execute communication plans for significant pipeline milestones, including clinical trial initiations, data readouts, and product approvals in partnership with R&D and commercial colleagues.

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of clear, compliant, and timely communications regarding clinical trial progress, results, and implications for patients and partners.

• Serve as a key partner to regulatory policy team providing strategic counsel on advocacy opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.

• Provides leadership and oversight into the development and review of key communications materials for portfolio milestones, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging and standards.

• Reputation building within Waltham biotech ecosystem and broader US: Enhance the company’s reputation by engaging proactively with local biotech stakeholders, academic institutions, and industry groups, positioning the company as a leader in innovation and responsible R&D.

• Proactive issues and crisis management: Identify, assess, and manage potential issues and crises affecting R&D, coordinating rapid and effective responses to protect the company’s reputation and interests.

•  Evaluate and report on the performance of key corporate affairs activities, providing updates and analysis to leadership.

•  Build pride and understanding across CSL about our pipeline and build a culture across R&D that reinforces our R&D 2.0 transformation goals.

• Manage budget allocations for specific projects or initiatives within the corporate affairs function, ensuring effective use of resources.

• Leads and manages performance of senior manager, CEA, R&D BP

Position Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

Education

• Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, law, public policy, journalism, public relations or business/relevant field

• Ability to think critically and analytically

Experience

• 10+ years' experience in government, public affairs or communications in the life sciences industry.

• Experience managing Corporate Affairs in a global environment

• Understanding of corporate social responsibility principles and practice

• Strong knowledge of the public policy landscape, with particular relevance to industry, manufacturing and/or the biotech and medicines sector

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written and digital communication skills.

• Ability to form strong working relationships with stakeholders and partners

• Skills in str