Executive Director, Global Media Relations & Policy Communications

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

BMS is seeking an exceptional and experienced senior media relations strategist to advance, enhance and protect the company’s reputation by telling compelling stories, forming relationships and engaging with top-tier media to tell our story. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, this candidate will have extensive experience and trusted relationships with the media and be able to call upon these relationships at short notice.

This role is responsible for global media relations, financial, policy and business development communications. It requires a strong understanding of the financial, scientific and media landscape, the ability to build close relationships cross-functionally and to effectively counsel senior executives.

You will be responsible for developing and managing a proactive global media relations strategy that enhances understanding and support for our company, pipeline and science. The ideal candidate will have 15-20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and have served as a media spokesperson with top-tier national and international media outlets, bringing deep expertise in financial communications, issues management and healthcare media relations.

Responsibilities

• Implement a proactive global media relations strategy that positions BMS and its leadership in top-tier global, national, trade, business, financial and general press.
• Manage reactive and proactive press engagements as well as external speaking opportunities for senior executives.
• Oversee financial communications for earnings and M&A announcements in partnership with Investor Relations.
• Identify the most effective opportunities for company executives to speak about BMS to the media and in other high-profile external settings.
• Partner closely with other Corporate Affairs disciplines -- Government Affairs, Commercial Communications, R&D Communications, Patient Advocacy, Enterprise Communications -- to identify high impact stories whilst assuring alignment of messaging and appropriate timing of media story delivery.
• Support crisis communications, including proactively planning for and managing issues affecting the company and industry.
• Earn the trust and confidence of the executive leadership team so you can be viewed as a trusted advisor who is not only a functional expert but a business leader.
• Leverage analytical insights and data on media articles to evaluate the impact of stories, and to drive public affairs efforts in areas of greatest impact.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations or similar discipline.
• 15-20 years of proven excellence in strategic communications, media relations, and working with C-suite executives.
• Extensive experience serving as primary corporate spokesperson
• Experience managing and developing a high-performing global team, and a reputation as a strong leader with a track record of developing people. Ability to create an enriching work environment.
• Experience working in a global matrixed organization, as well as the ability to navigate ambiguity and determine priorities; confidence to share new ideas; strong influencer and relationship builder skills.
• Demonstrated track record in media relations with relationships with top-tier US and international media, as well as demonstration of how media stories have been influenced as a result of your work.
• Excellent writer and storyteller; superior verbal communication skills. Ability to understand and distill complex subject matter quickly to content and a format most relevant to reporters and their audience.
• Detail-oriented; strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to secure high profile media features that build the global profile of BMS.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.

Physical presence at the BMS worksite or physical presence in the field is an essential job function of this role which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and enhances the Company culture.

To protect the safety of our workforce, customers, patients and communities, the policy of the Company requires all employees and workers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have received an exception based on an approved request for a medical or religious reasonable accommodation. Therefore, all BMS applicants seeking a role located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico must confirm that they have already received or are willing to receive the full COVID-19 vaccination by their start date as a qualification of the role and condition of employment. This requirement is subject to state and local law restrictions and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions such as Montana. This requirement is also subject to discussions with collective bargaining representatives in the U.S.

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or if you are applying to a role based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and you believe that you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, during or any part of the recruitment process, please direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

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