External Communications Associate Director

External Comms Associate Director

Location:

Gaithersburg, MD

Onsite Flexibility:
Hybrid — 3 days per week onsite

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 6 months (covering maternity leave)
• Start: July 27, 2026 (preferred);
  August 10, 2026 (alternate)
• Pay Rate: $80.00–$90.00 / Hour (USD)
• Shift /
  
  Schedule:
  
  Normal business hours
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

The R&D Communications Director will support Global Corporate Affairs to help tell the R&D story externally, uncovering, developing, and delivering opportunities to showcase the great science and outstanding people across teams. This will help position the client as the best science‑led organisation in the industry and the partner and employer of choice.

The role will involve working closely with R&D scientists — from discovery to development, as well as Global Corporate Affairs colleagues — developing multi‑layered campaigns across digital, social and traditional media to bring the science of drug discovery and development to life. The content and stories you develop will need to resonate with a wide range of primarily external audience groups, including collaborators, recruits, and media.

• Development and delivery of an integrated external communications plan to strengthen the client’s reputation as a scientific leader in science and technology platforms, across external stakeholders & channels
• Provide communications support and coaching to Expert Function Leaders, like Discovery Sciences and Clinical Operations, about communicating scientific messages and external communications generally, e.g., social
• Serve as a counsellor and support for executive communications/external engagements for R&D leaders. Includes supporting key activities such as media interviews and speaking engagements.
• Showcase and amplify scientific publications relating to R&D science and tech, and highlight and support scientists across our digital platforms
• Identify proactive comms opportunities and devise tactics that showcase R&D and are aligned with the overall strategy
• Support PR execution for partnering activities related to R&D science and tech, including development of press releases, statements, and Q&As
• Prepare for potential issues
• Closely partner with the client’s Global Media and digital communications teams on relevant communications activities and identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration
• Support the markets to effectively communicate about the client’s scientific programmes and What Science Can Do
• Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools for all communications activities

• Established track record of delivering impactful, content‑rich communications programmes across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success
• Understanding and experience of creating scientific/technical content, ideally in a biopharmaceutical context
• Experience of working with the media
• Experience of working with regional and market communicators to support excellent local delivery
• Exemplary native English‑level written and verbal communication skills
• Team worker with a high level of personal accountability

• Entrepreneurial approach and desire to challenge the status quo
• Confidence around senior leaders and comfortable delivering alternative viewpoints
• Strong channel management, digital skills, and knowledge of technology options
• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries
• Ability to undertake global travel will be required, primarily between other Strategic Science Centres

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund