Eli Lilly

Senior Director, Emerging + Portfolio Scientific Communications

Eli Lilly$154K — $226K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, science, public relations, or related field.
  • 10+ years of communications experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare environments.
  • Expertise in emerging science, particularly genetic medicines and new modalities.
  • Experience with executive-level communications, including speeches and presentations.
  • Strong editorial judgment and storytelling abilities for scientific concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop overarching communications strategy for Lilly's emerging science portfolio.
  • Create platform-level narratives that establish Lilly's scientific leadership.
  • Support development of executive presentations and storytelling modules for senior leaders.
  • Drive communications strategy for emerging science at key scientific forums.
  • Monitor competitive landscape and develop proactive messaging frameworks.
  • Build media strategy and relationships for emerging science narratives.
  • Lead and manage the Associate Director and cross-pillar team.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefit program including health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
  • Retirement options like a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
  • Vacation benefits and paid time off.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Employee well-being programs, including fitness benefits and wellness activities.
Full Job Description
The Senior Director, Emerging + Portfolio Scientific Communications leads two connected areas of work: building the communications strategy for Lilly's next-generation science platforms and helping to tell the stories that define how Lilly's science is understood at the highest levels. On the emerging science side, this role owns the narrative for Lilly's genetic medicines (siRNA, gene therapies, in vivo genome editing), novel modalities, platforms, new focus areas and white-space scientific exploration. This is category-creation work: architecting how the world understands Lilly's emerging science capabilities, not as a pipeline segment, but as a defining feature of the company's identity. On the portfolio storytelling side, this role partners with the AVP, Scientific Innovations Communications, Chief Scientific Officer, BU Leaders, and LRL Leadership Team to develop the speeches, presentations, and storytelling modules that travel across the enterprise and shape how Lilly's early and current scientific portfolios are perceived externally. This is not a design execution role. Design and creative production resources will come through partnership with the Global Comms Strategy, Innovation and Operations team. This is a strategic communications leader who is passionate about science and thrives in shaping how it is presented to the world, ensuring that every high-stakes external engagement reflects both scientific rigor and narrative clarity. Reporting to the AVP, Scientific Innovation Communications, this leader serves as a critical integrator across the Scientific Innovation Communications function. The role requires a rare communicator who combines deep scientific fluency with the strategic instinct to build platform-level narratives and the editorial judgment to shape how Lilly's senior leaders present the science externally. Key Objectives / Deliverables • PLATFORM NARRATIVE STRATEGY: Help to develop the overarching communications strategy for Lilly's emerging science portfolio. Build platform-level narratives (e.g., 'genetic medicines,' platform/new modalities,' infectious disease,' etc.) that establish Lilly's scientific leadership independent of any single asset. • EXECUTIVE STORYTELLING AND PRESENTATIONS: Support the development of executive speeches, presentations, and storytelling modules for the Chief Scientific Officer, BU Leaders, and LRL Leadership Team. Partner with the Global Comms Strategy, Innovation and Operations team for design and creative production. • ENTERPRISE SCIENTIFIC NARRATIVE: Develop reusable storytelling modules that travel across the enterprise, equipping leaders and communicators across Global Communications with the building blocks to tell Lilly's science story consistently and compellingly. Support storytelling for LRL and R&D achievements, building narrative modules that can be adapted for media, scientific, and other external audiences. • SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY AND CONGRESS ENGAGEMENT: Drive communications strategy for emerging science at key scientific forums. Develop early-stage narrative to build awareness and credibility. • COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE AND PROACTIVE POSITIONING: Monitor the competitive landscape across new areas of our scientific interest and focus. Develop proactive positioning and messaging frameworks that define the category on Lilly's terms. • MEDIA RELATIONS: Develop media strategy for emerging science landmarks and platform stories. Build relationships with journalists covering genetic medicines, biotech innovation, and the future of drug development. • CROSS-PILLAR PARTNERSHIP: Work closely with the Global Data Storytelling Communications and Global Consumer Science Communications pillars to ensure emerging science narratives and executive storytelling are grounded in the latest data and aligned with consumer-facing narrative strategy. • TEAM LEADERSHIP: Lead and develop the Associate Director, Emerging + Portfolio Science, the cross-pillar Scientific Innovations Manager (P1-P3) and Associate Director, LRL Internal Communications. Manage agency partners and external resources. Supply to the talent pipeline for the broader Scientific Innovation Communications team. Basic Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in communications, science, public relations, or related field • 10+ years of communications experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare environments • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1. Additional Skills / Preferences • Demonstrated expertise in emerging science, genetic medicines, new modalities, and other related communications • Experience developing executive presentations, speeches, and narrative frameworks for senior R&D or C-suite leaders • Proven experience navigating high-stakes communications in emerging or novel therapeutic spaces • Experience providing strategic counsel to senior R&D executives • Deep understanding of the scientific landscape • Exceptional ability to translate highly complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences • Proven record of building platform-level or category-creation narratives, not just asset-specific messaging • Strong editorial judgment and the ability to shape how science is presented at the executive level, from narrative arc to final content • Experience developing reusable storytelling frameworks and modules for enterprise-wide use • Familiarity with the evolving regulatory, investor, and payer perspectives on genetic and regenerative medicines, infectious diseases, oncology and other interesting scientific topics • Strong media relations skills, particularly with science and biotech journalists • Proactive, anticipatory attitude capable of building narratives years ahead of late-stage readouts • Content with ambiguity and the rigor to communicate emerging science responsibly without overcommitting on timelines • Strong executive presence and credibility across R&D, commercial, and corporate collaborator audiences Additional Information • Location: Indianapolis, IN preferred. Remote candidates will be considered for the right experience. Hybrid work schedule for Indianapolis-based candidates. Domestic travel expected (15-25%). Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $154,500 - $226,600 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.

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ

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