Director, Science Media Relations

Pfizer • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Global Media Relations leads media relations strategy and day-to-day execution for key research and development functions and divisions of Pfizer. The Director will be a strategic partner in helping shape the public or stakeholder perception of Pfizer through proactive media engagement and risk mitigation strategies that will increase public understanding of Pfizer’s work. The role owns the strategy, preparation, execution and performance of media plans aligned to advance pipeline priorities, strengthen Pfizer’s reputation and credibility, particularly during moments of heightened visibility including but not limited to data readouts, regulatory filings/approvals, collaborations, publications, early discovery efforts and policy. As a leader within Corporate Communications, this role operates as a trusted advisor to business and R&D leadership and is fully integrated into Pfizer’s enterprise narrative. It reports to the Senior Director of Pipeline and Portfolio Media Relations and is based in New York City. The role works closely with Executive Communications Center of Excellence (COE), Social and Digital Communications, Research and Development, and business partners to shape how the world understands Pfizer’s science, business, and purpose. This position requires strong executional rigor, editorial judgment, stakeholder management, and the ability to manage complex, high-visibility workflows in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Minimum required: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, English, social sciences, business/economics, healthcare/pre-med, or related fields.
• 8+ years of experience in media relations and communications, including experience with a pharmaceutical, biotech, medical, or other related research environment.
• Must possess a track record of scientific story placements among top-tier, trade and relevant media.
• Solid experience in dealing with significant healthcare issues management.
• Strong understanding of media, digital, social, internal, and executive communications and how they work together; current on best practices and trends.
• Mastery of AI basics and hands-on knowledge of the use of LLMs in communications work is necessary.
• Day-to-day direction, by the nature of the business, must be self-initiated.
• Excellent presentation skills, and persuasiveness are mandatory.
• Ability to manage pressure, meet deadlines and monitor and evaluate results is essential.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and sound judgment under pressure.
• A strong, demonstrated record of collaboration is critical.
• Excellent strategic thinking, writing, editing, storytelling skills, and editorial judgement with a proven ability to convey complex ideas across formats and channels.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment in dynamic and ambiguous environments, with the interpersonal presence and credibility to build trust quickly and influence effectively at senior levels.
• Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
• Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
• U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.
• This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Agency background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Uncover/identify compelling content for scientific earned media storytelling opportunities and the placement of them in high-impact media outlets, including those that may be new and/or emerging in today’s dynamic news environment
• Continually discover and develop relationships with science-focused earned media outlets and journalists
• Use combined media, science and competitive landscape knowledge to provide insights for successful engagement strategies
• Serve as point person for major news outlets interested in Pfizer’s science and research, aligning with the broader team around Pfizer’s pipeline and clinical innovation
• Arrange and staff with Pfizer’s scientists and science spokespeople, preparing them for successful media engagements related to Pfizer’s core priorities including chronic weight management and vaccine development
• Function as a translator of Pfizer’s science for media audiences and partner closely with R&D, medical and business partners on story content, proof points and strategy
• Support development of press materials (Q&As, press releases, leader talking points, preparation documents)
• Lead development and deployment of high-impact storytelling across traditional and emerging media platforms
• Define KPIs and success earned media metrics for pipeline efforts and regularly report insights to senior communications leadership
• Partner with the Senior Director of Pipeline and Portfolio media relations on key catalyst and milestone calendar
• Advise leaders and manage strategy or reactive responses to safety and medical topics related to Pfizer’s vaccines and/or medicines
• Lead the development and deployment of high-impact executive digital content across platforms, including written, visual, and video formats
• Orchestrate scientific congress earned media efforts (e.g., American Diabetes Association, ObesityWeek, IDWeek, ECCMID, World Vaccine Congress), and coordinate with IR regarding press releases, earnings releases, and other disclosures
• Balance proactive thought leadership and storytelling with disciplined restraint during sensitive or high-risk periods
• Serve as a partner across groups like Corporate Communications, Policy, Investor Relations, and regional teams to align executive digital activity with enterprise campaigns and critical moments. Share frameworks, insights, and best practices to elevate media relations capability across the organization

Benefits

• participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program
• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees