Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs

Career Category

Public Relations

Job Description

At Amgen, if you feel like you are a part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas –Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease– we reach millions of patients each year. As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives. Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role as Executive Director, R&D Communications, you will lead Amgen’s global scientific and R&D communications strategy, shaping how we tell our science story across discovery, clinical development, and research innovation. This role will report directly to head of Corporate Affairs with dotted line reporting to the Executive Vice President of Research & Development. This role will sit on both Corporate Affairs and R&D Leadership teams. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a cohesive communications strategy that elevates Amgen’s scientific reputation, showcases our innovation pipeline, and strengthens engagement with internal and external scientific stakeholders. This role will also oversee strategic communications for R&D, including external thought leadership and employee engagement.

The preferred candidate will be based in California.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of Amgen’s global R&D communications strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and scientific objectives

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior R&D leaders, including the EVP of R&D, on reputation, visibility, and scientific storytelling

• Partner seamlessly with R&D leadership core planning team to map and deliver against a robust internal/external news flow

• Oversee thought leadership on R&D innovation, data, and partnerships—strengthening Amgen’s voice across scientific, medical, and business channels

• Partner closely with Corporate Affairs colleagues, Medical, Regulatory, and Investor Relations teams to ensure message alignment and compliance with industry standards.

• Build and sustain a high-performing, results-driven and dependable R&D communications team of about 6 staff members, fostering a culture of collaboration, scientific literacy, and storytelling excellence

• Lead internal R&D engagement, helping connect 4,000+ R&D employees to the company’s mission, strategy, and scientific priorities

• Oversee integrated communications for major R&D events and communications programs and platforms (scientific conferences, pipeline showcases, publications, and milestones)

• Develop metrics to assess impact and continuously optimize communication strategies.

• Understand and advance the use of innovative technologies, including state-of-the-art Comtech and AI platforms and tools

• Manage external PR agency partnerships, ensuring efficient execution of strategic priorities and measurable business impact

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The professional we seek is a leader with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree & 6 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience OR

• Master’s degree & 10 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree & 12 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience AND

• 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Biological or Biomedical science discipline

• 15+ years of communications experience with deep expertise in scientific, medical, or R&D communications within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

• Ability to translate complex science into accessible and compelling narratives for diverse audiences

• Experience advising s