Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs

Role Summary

Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs. Lead Amgen’s global scientific and R&D communications strategy across discovery, clinical development, and research innovation. Report to the head of Corporate Affairs with dotted line reporting to the Executive Vice President of Research & Development; sit on both Corporate Affairs and R&D Leadership teams. Develop and execute a cohesive communications strategy that elevates Amgen’s scientific reputation, showcases the innovation pipeline, and strengthens engagement with internal and external scientific stakeholders. Oversee strategic communications for R&D, including external thought leadership and employee engagement. The preferred candidate will be based in California.

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

• Required: 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: PhD in Biological or Biomedical science discipline
• Preferred: 15+ years of communications experience with deep expertise in scientific, medical, or R&D communications within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
• Preferred: Ability to translate complex science into accessible and compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Preferred: Experience advising senior scientific leaders and managing communication around data, publications, and clinical milestones
• Preferred: Experience in issues management, reputation building, and proactive thought leadership
• Preferred: Leadership skills in matrixed environments with global reach
• Preferred: Strategic, analytical, and storytelling skills with attention to scientific rigor
• Preferred: Experience leading teams, agency partners, and large-scale projects under tight timelines
• Preferred: Storytelling, writing and messaging skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives
• Preferred: Strategic and creative thinker, comfortable navigating ambiguity and developing innovative solutions to communication challenges
• Preferred: Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while driving measurable impact