Senior Director, Policy Communications

Bristol Myers Squibb • Washington, DC

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, Policy, Purpose and Patient Communications, the Senior Director Policy Communications is responsible for translating the company’s policy messaging strategy into compelling, consistent strategic communication materials that reach and resonate with targeted external and internal audiences—including traditional and social media, influencers, and employees. Sitting within the Corporate Communications team, the Senior Director of Policy Communications will support the development of integrated communications plans that elevate our policy voice externally, build visibility for our positions, and support the company’s broader policy goals. The Senior Director will also be responsible for executing all communications activities in support of the company’s policy agenda, managing channels, coordinating campaigns and ensuring consistent messaging delivery across all platforms. This position requires someone who understands the policy landscape but is firmly rooted in communications strategy—bringing expertise in message development, campaign planning, and narrative storytelling. The role will work in close partnership with the Global Policy & Government Affairs team, ensuring our communications approach is grounded in the substance of our policy strategy and messaging, while also leveraging owned, earned, and social channels to drive impact. This role supports the connection between our policy expertise and our external storytelling.

Requirements

• Accomplished communications professional with 15 years + experience in policy communications, corporate communications, public relations agency or related field.
• Healthcare experience and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry are preferred.
• University degree required.
• Degree in Communications, Health Policy or a related field preferred.
• Expertise developing corporate communications plans aligning internal, external, and stakeholder communications against business priorities.
• Experience managing communications in crises, including creating clear directives and follow-through.
• Deep understanding of the US healthcare landscape, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, policy/political landscape and pricing/access issues.
• Superior written and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills; ability to engage with and persuade a wide variety of audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Healthcare experience and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry are preferred.
• Degree in Communications, Health Policy or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies, plans and materials to amplify the company’s policy messaging and positions, in alignment with Global Policy & Government Affairs and business objectives.
• Oversee key U.S. policy communications campaigns, including collaborations with industry trade groups and multistakeholder coalitions and partnerships at the federal and state level.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans related to policy and pricing/access issues, and provide strategic counsel and support during crisis situations to protect and enhance the company's reputation
• Manage and lead all communications operations supporting policy and public affairs initiatives, including campaign execution, media coordination, stakeholder engagement and cross-functional communications delivery.
• Lead communications surrounding medicine pricing and related actions in partnership with market access and policy colleagues.
• Oversee the creation of strategic communication materials, including talking points, op-eds, speeches, articles, and digital content on policy issues.
• Provide counsel on media strategy and proactively engage with the media, where appropriate, to secure coverage of the company's policy positions and initiatives, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with U.S. Public Affairs and ex-U.S. market-based communications colleagues to ensure consistent external policy communications and alignment across global enterprise.
• Identify and support thought leadership opportunities to elevate BMS perspectives on policy issues

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. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
• Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

What This Job Offers

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