At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$122,250 - $179,300

Company Overview

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our 40,000 employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Responsibilities

The Associate Director, Research and Development Communications (R&D) is a critical member of Lilly’s Reputation Management team. This position is responsible for developing and implementing external and internal communications plans to support Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL), as we work to bring our medicines to millions of patients around the world.

This role will work closely with cross-functional colleagues in Global Communications, LRL, Genetic Medicines, Business Development, Brand, Product Communications, Lilly affiliates around the world, Legal, Regulatory, Therapeutic Areas, and other relevant functions across the company. The Associate Director will be responsible for helping drive visibility and understanding of how Lilly is working to turn scientific innovations into medicines faster to help make life better for patients.

As a skilled communicator with a strong understanding of external scientific communications, strong media relations skills, and the ability to successfully navigate a complex, highly matrixed organization, the Associate Director will also be responsible for providing strategic counsel to Lilly business partners.

This role reports to the Senior Director of R&D Communications.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

Partner with various communications colleagues and business partners to develop and implement holistic 360 communications plans to successfully communicate Lilly’s scientific leadership externally and internally, especially in areas of high priority for the company such as genetic medicines, cardiometabolic health and neuroscience R&D teams.Develop and implement an impactful media relations strategy to tell Lilly’s scientific stories by working collaboratively with business partners to manage and respond to media inquiries, as well as partner with extended communications teams on complex inquiries, story opportunities, issues, etc.Develop content to support Lilly’s scientific strategies and initiatives externally and internally, including proactive and reactive media messaging, press releases, key messages, standby statements, Q&A documents, fact sheets, infographics, backgrounders, presentations, videos, medical meetings, scientific disclosures, internal news content, etc.Support executive communications needs for Lilly’s R&D executives, including executive visibility efforts, messaging, presentations, talking points, etc.Working collaboratively with the Enterprise Communications team to leverage existing information and programs to share Lilly’s scientific stories internallyWork collaboratively with other teams across Global Communications to implement social and digital strategies, including optimizing digital spokespersons externallyEvaluate and recommend new ideas to drive Lilly’s voice externally and internally; strategically connecting dotsPartner with and provide direction to external agencies and vendors, as neededUse metrics to measure results, adjust tactics and update content to continually improve

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations or related fieldPharmaceutical, biotech and/or healthcare experience and with basic understanding of drug development5+ years of external communications experience, within corporate or public relations agency environmentsQualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position

Additional Skills/Preferences

Demonstrated proficiency in scientific communications with proven success in translating complex information to make it more understandable to all audiencesProficiency in both external and internal communications skills and channels, including social and digitalDemonstrated expertise of media relations and media management skills, especially with top-tier business, consumer, trade and national broadcast outletsExperience working closely with senior executives, with demonstrated ability to influence up, to provide strategic, persuasive and appropriate communications counselStrong executive presence and business acumenExperience collaborating with cross-functional teams across a matrixed organization, establishing strong working relationshipsSuperb verbal and written communication skillsStrong strategic thinking and problem-solving skillsHighly organized, independent thinker with the ability to manage multiple tasksAbility to be a flexible team player, work quickly with accuracy and urgency to meet deadlines with the highest ethical and business standardsProven ability to be innovative and creativeMeticulous attention to detail, with ability to grasp and focus on the big pictureProject management capabilities that include process development and improvement, communications of best practices, and measurementFamiliarity with pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry as well as knowledge of pharma competitive landscapeFamiliarity with pre-clinical drug discovery and/or early-phase external innovation

Additional Information

Located in Indianapolis, IN. Hybrid work schedule allowed.Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.               

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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