Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs

Johnson & Johnson•Brunswick, OH

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs, Innovative Medicine, develops and executes integrated communications and public affairs strategies that advance Johnson & Johnson’s business development and external innovation priorities. The Director serves as communications counselor to the Global Head of Innovative Medicine Business Development and the Global Head of Discovery, Product Development and Supply within R&D. The role translates complex science and M&A strategy into clear narratives for media, investors, policy makers and prospective partners, strengthens Johnson & Johnson’s position as a partner of choice, enhances trust and partnerships, and ensures disciplined, compliant communications. The position reports to the Senior Director, Global Head of Portfolio Communications and Public Affairs. This is a hybrid role based in New Brunswick, Raritan or Titusville, New Jersey. The position may require up to 20% travel. The responsibilities listed may be supplemented as business needs evolve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science, Business, Life Sciences or a related field.
10–12 years of experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs, public affairs or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex, high-visibility programs involving senior stakeholders, tight timelines and high reputational risk.
Experience working effectively in global, matrixed organizations and coordinating across multiple functions and geographies.
Excellent writing and editorial judgment, including the ability to translate complex science, strategy and deal terms into clear, accurate communications for diverse audiences.
Strong strategic thinking and executive presence, with demonstrated ability to counsel senior leaders and contribute effectively to Leadership Teams.
Issues-management capability, including scenario planning, risk assessment and rapid response with cross-functional partners.
Strong collaboration and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority.
Understanding of communications compliance requirements in regulated environments, including Legal, HCC, Regulatory and disclosure considerations.
Digital and media fluency, including experience using owned, earned and shared channels to advance reputation and business goals.
Ability to rapidly learn, evaluate and adopt new AI tools and ways of working to meet evolving business needs.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree such as an MBA, MS, MPH or MPP.
Experience in biopharmaceuticals, healthcare or another highly regulated industry.
Experience supporting business development, partnerships, M&A, licensing, alliances or innovation ecosystems.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead integrated communications and public affairs strategies for Innovative Medicine Business Development, Discovery, Product Development and Supply, and External Scientific Innovation priorities, including partnerships, licensing, acquisitions, divestments, co-development and strategic collaborations.
Create and maintain messaging that articulates Innovative Medicine’s innovation strategy, scientific leadership and partnership approach to external audiences.
Translate scientific, product development and M&A strategies into clear narratives that support enterprise priorities and reputation.
Lead or co-lead deal and partnership communications throughout the lifecycle, from pre-announcement planning through announcement, signing, close and post-announcement integration.
Develop deal communications materials, including message maps, Q&As, executive talking points, internal announcements and stakeholder communications, in coordination with relevant functions.
Lead communications readiness and rapid response for deal-related media inquiries, competitive activity and regulatory developments.
Partner with integration leaders on change communications, employee engagement and cultural integration.
Shape public affairs strategies related to innovation, partnering and the business environment with Global and Regional Public Affairs teams.
Identify and engage external stakeholders, including industry groups, scientific communities, innovation ecosystems, patient and advocacy organizations, and policy leaders.
Develop thought-leadership opportunities that reinforce Johnson & Johnson’s position as an innovation leader and partner of choice.
Partner with Media Relations and Therapeutic Area communications teams to shape external narratives and protect reputation during sensitive developments.
Counsel senior leaders on communications strategy, media interviews and external engagements related to business development, R&D, M&A and innovation.
Monitor biotechnology ecosystem, dealmaking, AI, digital health and advanced-modality trends and stakeholder sentiment; use insights for proactive communications and risk mitigation.
Establish repeatable processes and tools, including deal communications playbooks, briefing templates and review workflows, to enable efficient, compliant execution and accountability.
Define success measures and reporting with Strategy & Transformation and analytics partners, using measures such as share of voice, message pull-through and stakeholder engagement.
Manage agency partners and budgets as needed, ensuring quality, fiscal discipline and effective integration with internal teams.
Serve as communications counselor to senior leaders of the Innovative Medicine Business Development and Discovery, Product Development and Supply teams, and represent Communications and Public Affairs on both Leadership Teams.
Advise External Scientific Innovation leaders as needed, build alignment across the matrix and influence without direct authority.
Build partnerships with therapeutic area communications, regional leads, Public Affairs, Investor Relations and Global Corporate Media Relations to coordinate internal and external positioning.
Contribute to an inclusive, high-performing team culture through mentoring, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Benefits

Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and 401(k) savings plan, subject to applicable plan terms.
Eligibility to participate in the long-term incentive program.
Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year, subject to applicable policies and hire date.
Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year; different amounts apply to employees residing in Colorado or Washington.
Holiday pay, including floating holidays: 13 days per calendar year.
Work, Personal and Family Time: up to 40 hours per calendar year.
Parental Leave: 480 hours within one year of the birth, adoption or foster care of a child.
Bereavement Leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member and 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year.
Caregiver Leave: 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period.
Volunteer Leave: 32 hours per calendar year.
Military Spouse Time-Off: 80 hours per calendar year.