Sr. Director

We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

The IBU Communications team is embedded within the IBU CMO function and focused on external communications to support reputation, business goals, priority therapy areas and launch brands. This includes delivering creative campaigns to engage key stakeholders, innovation readiness and issues management. The candidate will report to the Associate Vice President for IBU Launch Communications.

The Communications Director – Corporate is responsible for setting and driving the IBU corporate communications external, social and internal communications strategy. As an expert communications practitioner, the successful candidate will be a critical member of the IBU Communications team, working to deliver integrated communications programmes and build capabilities in traditional and new media in support of IBU leadership.

The role is accountable for leading execution of external communications efforts including earned media, thought leadership, advocacy and partnership activations and campaigns across IBU. As point contact for our IBU affiliates, this is a communications leadership position, responsible for delivery of IBU campaigns as well as delivering hands on support and issue management expertise in line with strategic business needs.

As a champion for IBU, the successful candidate will be accountable for clearly articulating IBU/affiliate needs to inform global communications planning and strategies; working closely with Global Communications colleagues to ensure we deliver a consistent Lilly presence and story OUS.

Responsible for designing IBU communications strategies that complement and build on these Global communications plans to drive Lilly’s brand presence, the successful candidate will partner closely with International Government Affairs and Public Policy colleagues to ensure IBU policy asks are tightly embedded into our corporate communications messaging and activities.

The Communications Senior Director will partner with affiliates to build capabilities and ensure flawless execution. Communications strategies should be scalable and measurable, include issue preparedness and focus on driving innovation readiness and Lilly’s presence across IBU.

The role is also accountable for delivering a robust IBU internal communications strategy aligned to business priorities; creating hero moments for affiliates, celebrating success and driving clear purpose. This includes channel management and curating content from across IBU as well as creating a communicators community across all affiliates.

Specific responsibilities include :

Develop creative IBU communication campaigns that leverage global strategies to enhance Lilly’s brand presence with key stakeholders and improve innovation readiness for future product launches. Maximise earned media opportunities across IBU for data and regulatory milestones Serve as primary communications counsel for IBU (therapy area) and internal business partners. Key liaison for communications between the US-based Business Unit Corporate Affairs team (therapy area) and IBU Drive IBU and affiliate capability development in communications; facilitating best practice sharing and continuous learning Ensure all activities and campaigns are delivered in compliance with Lilly policies and procedures and external regulations. Horizon scanning on future opportunities, reputation and issues management to ensure preparedness and manage possible negative issues in the media Internal stakeholder and project management Manage day-to-day work with our PR agencies, including onboarding and management best practices for affiliates Develop and edit key communications for media such as press releases, internal Q&As, videos and fact sheets. Conduct and/or facilitate interviews with local, national, and international media outlets. Miscellaneous support of communication projects, including writing, issues management and strategic thinking.

Basic Qualifications

Demonstrable senior experience of leading design and delivery of multi-country communications campaigns and media handling experience (eg in prior journalism, public relations, other communications roles, etc.) Robust experience of managing traditional and social media, including press releases, reactive handling, and issue management; alongside media relations, including interacting with A-list media and serving as a spokesperson.  Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline, for example, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Literature.

Additional Skills/Preferences

Experience in the development and execution of strategic and creative communications plans, including digital and social media. Proven issue management skills Successful experience working with cross-functional teams, including collaboration and consensus building. Experience of working across countries and regions, with ability to adapt to cultural preferences Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with business partners. Experience of managing projects to time, outcomes and budget. PR agency management experience. Ability to flex between strategic thinking and detailed delivery based on circumstances and business needs. Creative communications skills – written and verbal, as well as interpersonal. Ability to understand the business need and use communication to drive the business forward. Experience of working with new media technologies and ability to adapt to evolving technologies.

Additional Information

Working hours will require flexibility given the global nature of the role. Domestic and some international travel required

Lilly 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.

#WeAreLilly

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