Director, US Innovation Unit Communications

Description

The Director is the lead of complex strategic communications initiatives in support of the Innovation Unit (IU) Communications Strategy, the Corporate Affairs and the Global Thought Leadership Agenda, and is a key contributor to the strategic positioning of IU, Corporate Affairs and Boehringer Ingelheim as a first4patient and first-in-class focused center of excellence. In close collaboration with the Government Affairs and Public Policy team s/he will also develop and execute comprehensive public affairs strategies to foster engagement among health policy leaders at the state and federal level with the goal of enhancing an understanding of Boehringer’s research and innovation commitments and the company’s pipeline.

With a focus on supporting and leveraging the IU, s/he leads the design and implementation of new strategic external and internal communication initiatives, as well as existing programs, which have measurable outcomes associated with them in order to achieve overall IU and related stakeholder engagement goals. These initiatives tie in to the IU CSFs (attracting prime R&D talents and partners) and other corporate level programs designed to positively enhance the overall reputation of Boehringer Ingelheim, drive perceptions of the company as a ‘(R&D) talent and partner of choice’, and contribute to R&D policy discussions regarding the company’s priority therapeutic areas and scientific innovation.

Some of the existing corporate flagship initiatives include IU signature initiatives, such as the bi-annual 'Transforming Science Day By Boehringer Ingelheim', the IUEC Live and the bi-annual IU Conference (top 100 IU leaders). s/he also leads the planning and delivery of IU contributions to OneHP and OneBI key events, such as the 'OneHP Townhall' and the annual press conference, respectively.

To be successful, s/he is responsible for and dependent on earning and maintaining a role as a trusted and valued partner to a very significant number of internal and external key stakeholders, including the IU executive committee and local leadership (US). Important internal relationships: Innovation Unit executives and function leads, Corporate Affairs colleagues across multiple functions (human pharma, animal health, government affairs and policy, digital, etc.) and leaders in other functional areas such as patient engagement, legal and compliance. Important external relationships: research and development partners, government officials, advocacy and patient health groups, industry trade groups, the media and others. 

The Director is a strategic and operational key member of the Global IU Communications department. They report directly with the Head of IU Communications and deputizes to the Exec. Director of IU Communications, USA.

The role is based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. 

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development, and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in several ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, networking, and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.

This position offers a base salary typically between $200,000 and $316,000. The position may be eligible for a role specific variable or performance based bonus, relocation and or other compensation elements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Craft compelling messaging and communication materials to effectively convey the impact and importance of our research and development efforts.
• Monitor and analyze R&D and public policy trends and developments that may impact the pharmaceutical industry, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and public forums to promote a positive reputation and foster collaboration.
• Stay informed about industry advancements and scientific breakthroughs to effectively communicate the value of our research to diverse audiences.
• Create and manage program budgets and external agencies/suppliers
• Responsible for developing strategy, and overseeing creation/ implementation of internal and external US IU strategic initiatives to achieve pre-defined objectives.
• Serves as a trusted partner and communication co-advisor to a wide range of internal and external key stakeholders.
• Independently and proactively manages issues preparedness and response process for assigned key initiatives.
• Is highly knowledgeable of global marketplace and external forces and trends that have the potential to shape and impact the R&D environment and/or the pharmaceutical industry.
• Leads the planning and execution of strategic key initiatives and outcome reporting
• Build trusted and win-win relationships with individuals and teams at the global/HQ level across and beyond the IU, as well as with R)OPU colleagues.
• Rolemodels OneHP mindset and actions.
• Lead the selection and management of consultants/agencies day-to-day activities as an extension of the in-house communications team to maximize performance, results, and RoI, RoE and IoR

Requirements

• Bachelors degree, PR/Communications (preferred),journalism (preferred, not required), Marketing (preferred, not required) 
• Minimum of 12 years experience in PR/communications, including specific experience in R&D communications, the pharmaceutical industry as well as excellence in building relationships and influence outcomes both with and without authority is required for this role. 
• Proven ability to successful develop, implement and lead a global communication strategy to and above target/pre-defined outcome goals
• Excellent project, event and time management skills
• Strong integrity and moral compass and negotiation skills
• Strong ability to maintain focus in highly stressful situations - strategic thinker and problem solver 
• Highly adaptive and flexible - is able to respond effectively to changes in priorities and/or the global marketplace
• Crisis/issue management background
• Exceptional verbal and written English communication and presentation skills
• Pharmaceutical/healthcare experience
• Must work well in teams and invest in developing collaborative internal and external relationships
• Ability to make a compelling case for public relations; to engender support for programming, decisions and resources

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.