Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine•Hopewell Township, NJ

1d•$154,000 - $265,650•Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Director, External Innovation Communications and Public Affairs for Innovative Medicine. This hybrid role may be based in New Brunswick, Raritan, or Titusville, New Jersey. The Director develops and executes integrated communications and public affairs strategies supporting business development and external innovation priorities, and 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, strengthening the company’s reputation and position as a partner of choice while ensuring disciplined, compliant communications. It reports to the Senior Director, Global Head of Portfolio Communications and Public Affairs. The Director leads communications for business development and external innovation priorities, including partnerships, licensing, acquisitions, divestments, co-development, and strategic collaborations. The role manages deal communications from advance planning through announcements, closing, and post-announcement integration; prepares messaging and stakeholder materials; and coordinates readiness and rapid response with cross-functional partners. It also shapes public affairs and stakeholder engagement, counsels senior leaders, supports media and issues management, establishes repeatable communications processes and measures, and manages agency partners and budgets as needed. The Director works across a global, matrixed organization and contributes to an inclusive, high-performing team culture. The position may require up to 20% travel. The responsibilities 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 the 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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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 communications that support enterprise priorities and reputation.
Lead or co-lead communications for priority deals and partnerships, from pre-announcement planning through signing, closing, and post-announcement integration.
Develop message maps, Q&As, executive talking points, internal announcements, and stakeholder communications in coordination with relevant internal 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 in coordination 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 on external narratives and reputation protection during sensitive developments.
Counsel senior leaders on communications strategy, media interviews, and external engagements relating to business development, R&D, M&A, and innovation.
Monitor biotechnology ecosystem, dealmaking, AI, digital health, and advanced-modality trends and stakeholder sentiment; apply insights to proactive communications and risk mitigation.
Establish repeatable processes and tools such as deal communications playbooks, briefing templates, and review workflows.
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.
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 across therapeutic area communications, regional leads, Public Affairs, Investor Relations, and Global Corporate Media Relations.
Contribute to an inclusive, high-performing team culture through mentoring, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Benefits

Company consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)), subject to plan terms.
Eligibility to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year, subject to policy and date of hire.
Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year, with specified higher amounts for certain state residents.
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 a child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
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.