Associate Director, Strategy & Media Relations

Bristol Myers Squibb • Princeton, NJ

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking an Associate Director, Media Relations to execute a global media relations strategy aimed at enhancing the company's reputation among key audiences. The role requires strong media judgment, storytelling abilities, and the capacity to manage a fast-paced news environment to achieve impactful media outcomes while effectively managing resources. This position offers the opportunity to grow and thrive in a challenging and meaningful work environment focused on transforming patient lives.

Requirements

• 8 years of media relations experience, preferably in pharmaceutical or similar industry.
• Existing relationships with top business, consumer and financial media.
• Excellent writing and research skills, with knowledge of AP style and a keen attention to detail.
• Issues management experience preferred.
• Strong business acumen, with a demonstrated ability to understand and translate business strategy.
• Ability to interact effectively with many levels of colleagues across a complex, highly collaborative organization.
• Strong writing and storytelling capabilities, with the ability to translate complex scientific, business, policy, or societal issues into clear, compelling messaging.
• Ability to effectively counsel senior leaders.
• Superior written, verbal, facilitation and interpersonal communications skills.
• Excels in fast-paced, challenging environment.
• High proficiency with digital communications and effective use of online platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, journalism or related field.

Responsibilities

• Execute a global, top-tier media strategy aligned with corporate positioning to advance the company narrative and enhance reputation through proactive and opportunistic engagement across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Drive continual cadence of news flow, managing sequence and strategy of announcements.
• Identify, develop and pitch unique storylines and content opportunities that advance the company’s strategic positioning.
• Build and maintain relationships with top-tier media, manage incoming media requests, and execute proactive and opportunistic media outreach.
• Develop media materials including pitches, talking points for interviews, etc.
• Prepare background and briefing materials, plan logistics, and train spokespeople for critical media and public speaking opportunities.
• Demonstrate strong judgment and superior media acumen when engaging with reporters.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of best-in-class media resources, driving consistency, usability and operational excellence across teams.
• Champion the thoughtful use of AI and emerging tools to drive smarter insights, elevate content and improve the efficiency and impact of media engagement.
• Closely monitor external trends and insights to advise on where and how BMS should have a voice and to continually inform media strategy development.
• Socialize external announcements to internal audiences to advance workforce knowledge of BMS people, medicines, positions and performance.
• Support response to issues management and rapid response.
• Manage agency partners, including scope, timelines and utilization to support effective delivery within budget.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
• Based on eligibility, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level