Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs

Role Summary

Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs at Amgen. Lead Amgen’s global scientific and R&D communications strategy, shaping how we tell our science story across discovery, clinical development, and research innovation. Oversee strategic communications for R&D, including external thought leadership and employee engagement.

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

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 senior scientific leaders and managing communication around data, publications, and clinical milestones
  • Experience in issues management, reputation building, and proactive thought leadership
  • Leadership skills in matrixed environments with global reach
  • Strategic, analytical, and storytelling skills with attention to scientific rigor
  • Experience leading teams, agency partners, and large-scale projects under tight timelines
  • Storytelling, writing and messaging skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives
  • Strategic and creative thinker, comfortable navigating ambiguity and developing innovative solutions to communication challenges
  • Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while driving measurable impact

Education

Additional Requirements

• The preferred candidate will be based in California.