Lead, R&D and Portfolio Communications

Description

Takeda is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to people worldwide. Our passion and pursuit of potentially life-changing treatments for patients are deeply rooted in over 240 years of heritage. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Our Global Communications (GC) organization is taking on big challenges to deliver on Takeda’s vision. We are shapers and protectors of Takeda’s culture and reputation, building trust with external and internal stakeholders, and fostering ambassadorship.

Join us as Lead, Research & Development (R&D) and Portfolio Communications (Associate Director Level) in our Cambridge, MA office.

Summary

The R&D and Portfolio Communications team leads communications for Takeda’s pipeline and marketed / established brands portfolio across specific therapeutic areas. This position reports to the Head of Rare Disease Communications, works across all therapeutic areas, and offers opportunities for advancement within the GC team.

The individual in this role will be empowered to create, implement, unify, and deploy Takeda’s external and internal positioning to protect and enhance our reputation. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring our communications align with our mission to provide life-transforming treatments.

The ideal candidate is skilled in product, issues, and crisis communications, and brings experience in using AI tools and technology to drive efficiency and innovation.

If you are a strategic communicator with a passion for healthcare and managing complex product communication challenges, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Position Objectives

Execute comprehensive communication planning, agile strategies, and continuous monitoring across Takeda’s marketed brands portfolio and pipeline.

Develop and build a center of excellence for therapeutic issues and crisis communications, including a robust framework for readiness and response capabilities.

Proactively manage therapeutic lifecycle and program changes, craft messaging, mitigate emerging risks, and protect Takeda’s reputation.

Enable a “One Takeda” approach to ensure consistency in our communications across external / internal stakeholders, regions, and therapeutic programs.

Develop and maintain relevant communications frameworks, template resources, a best practice messaging library, and leverage Agentic AI / AI agents to support regional and country-level Takeda communications team members.

Serve as a trusted communications counsel for relevant cross-functional partners and project teams; work closely with Global Issues Communications, regional / country, and Therapeutic Area Communications teams as needed.

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including commercial, regulatory, legal, R&D, and medical affairs, to ensure cohesive communication strategies.

Success in this role will be measured by the effectiveness of communication strategies, media coverage, and the ability to manage and mitigate complex issues.

Position Responsibilities

Communication Planning and Strategy :

Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans and agile strategies for Takeda’s marketed brands portfolio and pipeline programs.

Messaging Development :

Craft, maintain, and update strategic messaging; ensure communications are consistent and aligned across external and internal stakeholders.

Crisis Management :

Establish and maintain a communications center of excellence for handling therapeutic issues and crises, including a robust readiness and response framework.

Lifecycle Management :

Proactively manage therapeutic lifecycle and program changes, mitigate emerging risks, and protect Takeda’s reputation.

Enterprise-first Approach :

Promote a “One Takeda” approach by enhancing AI capabilities and centralizing communication materials.

Resource Development :

Create and maintain communication frameworks, template resources, and a best practice messaging library, including the integration of AI tools to support regional and country communicators.

Cross-functional Collaboration :

Serve as a trusted communications advisor for cross-functional partners and project teams. Collaborate closely with Global Issues Communications, regional / country, and Therapeutic Area Communications teams as needed.

Education, Behavioral Competencies, and Skills

Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience at a corporation or consultancy, with expertise in corporate, product, executive, and / or international communications.

Experience supporting or managing therapeutic brands, as well as managing issues and building corporate reputation, is required.

Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and knowledge of regulatory requirements.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills required.

Experience leveraging AI tools, data-driven decision making, and digital resources to drive operational efficiencies is preferred.

Healthcare industry experience required; experience supporting marketed therapeutic brand communications is preferred.

Travel Requirements

Up to 10% travel.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location :

USA - MA - Cambridge - Kendall Square - 500

U.S. Base Salary Range :

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and / or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and / or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Locations

USA - MA - Cambridge - Kendall Square - 500CHE - Glattpark (Opfikon) - Zurich HQ, Zurich, Switzerland

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

YesIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.