Amgen Inc

Executive Director, External Engagement

Amgen Inc$266K — $360K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctorate degree & 6 years experience in communications or related fields, OR
  • Master's degree & 10 years experience in communications or related fields, OR
  • Bachelor's degree & 12 years experience in communications or related fields
  • 6 years managerial experience managing people or leading projects
  • Experience in highly regulated industries like healthcare or pharmaceuticals

Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead an integrated external engagement strategy
  • Create innovative stakeholder engagement approaches
  • Identify new platforms and technologies for audience reach
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to corporate leadership
  • Establish measurement frameworks for engagement effectiveness
  • Lead global media relations strategy and execution
  • Develop and execute an influencer engagement strategy

Benefits

  • Comprehensive employee benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement and Savings Plan with generous contributions
  • Discretionary annual bonus program
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns
  • Flexible work models where possible
Full Job Description
Career Category
Corporate Services
Job Description

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role the Executive Director, External Engagement leads Amgen's strategy and execution across all external communications channels and stakeholder engagement platforms. This role is responsible for shaping how Amgen engages with media, influencers, digital audiences, and emerging communications ecosystems to advance corporate reputation, business priorities, and stakeholder trust. Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Affairs, the Executive Director serves as a strategic advisor and builder of modern engagement capabilities. The role oversees media relations, social media, digital channels, influencer strategy and activation, and emerging forms of external engagement. The leader is responsible for identifying trends early, evaluating new platforms and technologies, and ensuring Amgen remains at the forefront of how organizations connect with audiences in a rapidly evolving communications landscape.This role requires a combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, creativity, strong leadership, and deep understanding of the changing media environment.

Key Responsibilities

External Engagement Strategy
  • Develop and lead an integrated external engagement strategy that aligns earned, owned, shared, and emerging channels
  • Create innovative approaches to stakeholder engagement that strengthen Amgen's reputation and visibility
  • Identify opportunities to reach audiences through new platforms, technologies, and content formats
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to Corporate Affairs leadership and senior executives on external engagement trends and opportunities
  • Establish measurement frameworks and analytics that assess engagement effectiveness and business impact


Media Relations
  • Lead Amgen's global media relations strategy and execution
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with traditional, digital, trade, healthcare, financial, and emerging media outlets
  • Oversee proactive storytelling and reactive issues management
  • Guide media engagement strategies
  • Ensure consistent messaging and effective media engagement across the enterprise


Social Media and Digital Channels
  • Lead strategy and governance for Amgen's social media presence and digital engagement platforms
  • Drive audience growth, engagement, and content effectiveness across channels.
  • Oversee editorial planning, content distribution, community engagement, and social listening
  • Ensure digital platforms support business priorities, corporate reputation, and stakeholder engagement objectives
  • Partner across Corporate Affairs, Commercial, Medical, and Global Marketing functions to maximize impact and consistency


Influencer Strategy and Activation
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive influencer engagement strategy across healthcare, science, policy, patient advocacy, business, and culture
  • Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with key external voices and communities
  • Evaluate emerging influencer ecosystems and engagement models
  • Design scalable programs that increase reach, credibility, and audience engagement
  • Establish governance, measurement, and compliance frameworks for influencer partnerships


Emerging Media and Innovation
  • Monitor shifts in media consumption, audience behavior, technology, and platform evolution
  • Assess opportunities related to AI-enabled communications, creator ecosystems, podcasts, newsletters, digital communities, and future engagement channels
  • Pilot and scale innovative engagement approaches that position Amgen ahead of industry trends
  • Build capabilities that enable rapid adaptation to changing communications environments
  • Serve as an internal thought leader on the future of communications and stakeholder engagement


Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of communications professionals.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning
  • Build organizational capabilities in digital engagement, content strategy, analytics, and emerging communications practices
  • Manage agency relationships and external partners
  • Oversee budget planning and resource allocation


What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The candidate we seek is an experienced leader with the following qualifications. They will also embody the Amgen leadership attributes which are:
  • Inspire: Create a connected, inclusive, and inspiring work environment that empowers talent to thrive
  • Accelerate: Enable speed that matches the urgency of patient needs by encouraging progress over perfection
  • Integrate: Connect the dots to amplify the collective power of Amgen to drive results for patients, staff, and shareholders
  • Adapt: Lead through change by adapting to an ever-changing environment and defining a clear course of action to deliver results


Basic Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree & 6 years of communications, media relations, public affairs, digital engagement, or related fields experience OR
  • Master's degree & 10 years of communications, media relations, public affairs, digital engagement, or related fields experience OR
  • Bachelor's degree & 12 years of communications, media relations, public affairs, digital engagement, or related fields experience AND
  • 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • 15+ years of experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, digital engagement, or related fields
  • Leadership experience managing teams and complex communications programs
  • Experience building integrated engagement strategies across earned, owned, shared, and emerging channels
  • Experience leading media relations and executive visibility programs.
  • Understanding of social media, digital communications, and influencer ecosystems
  • Experience navigating issues management and high-profile corporate communications environments
  • Experience in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or other highly regulated industries
  • Experience identifying and scaling innovative communications approaches
  • understanding of analytics, audience insights, and measurement frameworks
  • Experience advising senior executives and enterprise leaders
  • Knowledge of AI-driven communications tools and emerging engagement technologies


What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way. The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is $266,637 to $360,745. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies

Salary Range
266,637.35USD -360,744.65 USD

About Amgen Inc

Amgen is a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures human therapeutics for various illnesses and diseases. The company is values-based and deeply rooted in science and innovation to transform new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious diseases. They offer products for treating illness in the areas of oncology/hematology, cardiovascular, inflammation, bone health, nephrology, and neuroscience.

Amgen Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Amgen Inc, a biotechnology pioneer dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative human therapeutics. At Amgen, we offer more than just job opportunities; we invite you to be part of a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation.

Work You’ll Do

At Amgen Inc, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that brings real solutions to patients worldwide. Our commitment to your career growth is evident in our professional development and leadership training programs designed to nurture your potential.

Innovate and Lead

Amgen Inc stands at the forefront of biotech innovation. Our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of science and technology. By joining us, you will contribute to a legacy of medical breakthroughs that improve the lives of millions.

Be Part of a Great Team

Amgen’s inclusive culture and commitment to diversity are integral to our success. We believe in empowering our employees with the skills and networking opportunities they need to thrive. Our team’s collaboration is the key to developing groundbreaking solutions.

Future-Proof Your Career

Amgen Inc offers a variety of career paths, from research and development to marketing and sales, providing near-limitless opportunities for advancement. Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Amgen has a place for you. Our robust benefits package supports the well-being of our employees and their families, contributing to a fulfilling work-life balance.

Explore Job Opportunities

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Amgen Inc. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals ready to face challenges head-on. Explore our open positions that match your skills and interests.

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Interview and Resume Tips

Prepare for your future with Amgen Inc by utilizing our resources designed to enhance your interview skills and polish your resume. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are driven to make a difference.

Amgen Inc—Where Careers Grow

At Amgen Inc, we are committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. If you are passionate about joining a team that makes a difference, search Amgen jobs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

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Join us at Amgen Inc, where your career can flourish in an environment of innovation, leadership, and growth.
Learn more about Amgen Inc
Size
24,200 employees
Market Cap
$141.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7.2 billion
Founded
1980
5 Year Trend
+2.5%
Revenue
$25.4 billion
NASDAQ

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