Eli Lilly

Senior Director, Global Data Storytelling Communications

Eli Lilly$154K — $226K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, science, public relations, or related field
  • 12+ years of communications experience in pharma, biotech, or healthcare
  • Experience leading large communications teams across multiple therapeutic areas
  • Proven record of strategic counsel to C-suite executives
  • Strong judgment in high-pressure situations

Responsibilities

  • Own and establish the overarching data narrative for Lilly's R&D pipeline
  • Serve as a trusted strategic partner to TA teams and senior leadership
  • Build the enterprise congress strategy for major medical meetings
  • Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team
  • Coordinate with various communication pillars for integrated messaging
  • Develop and implement media strategy to enhance scientific leadership

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with emphasis on flexibility
  • Comprehensive benefit program, including medical, dental, and vision
  • Company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan
  • Vacation benefits and various leave of absence options
  • Well-being benefits like employee assistance and fitness activities
Full Job Description
The Senior Director, Global Data Storytelling Communications, is the senior communications leader accountable for driving consistency, quality, and strategic impact across the full scientific lifecycle, from pre-clinical research through Phase 3 readouts.

This role is embedded with Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL) counterparts and maintains dotted-line relationships with Therapeutic Area (TA) business leads, serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Committee and TA Presidents. Reporting to the AVP, Scientific Innovation Communications, the Senior Director leads a data communications team across Lilly's TAs, from early proof-of-concept through pivotal trial results, connected to a single, enterprise-level science narrative.

The role requires a communicator who can operate at the intersection of scientific depth, executive influence, and narrative strategy, translating sophisticated pipeline achievements into stories that build reputation, strengthen pipeline confidence, and advance business objectives. This leader will set the standard for how Lilly communicates science to the world: proactively, with strategic rigor, and in a way that is unmistakably Lilly.

Key Objectives / Deliverables
• STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND NARRATIVE ARCHITECTURE: Own the overarching data narrative for Lilly's R&D pipeline across Lilly therapeutic areas, ensuring every data readout, congress disclosure, and publication reinforces the enterprise science story. Establish and maintain a consistent data release playbook across TAs so that quality, ambition, and voice are uniform regardless of therapeutic area.
• EXECUTIVE PARTNERSHIP AND INFLUENCE: Serve as a trusted strategic partner to LRL and our TA teams, providing communications counsel that shapes how Lilly's science is understood by investors, media, policymakers, and the scientific community. Prepare senior leaders for high-stakes engagements including major data landmarks, major congresses, and media interactions.
• DATA, CONGRESS AND PUBLICATIONS STRATEGY: Help build the enterprise congress strategy, ensuring Lilly's scientific presence at major medical meetings is coordinated, high-impact, and reflects a unified Lilly point of view. Support our TA publications strategies in partnership with medical affairs and TA leads, ensuring relevant peer-reviewed data supports the broader corporate narrative.
• TEAM LEADERSHIP AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT: Lead, mentor, and develop a team. Set the operating standards, cultural tone, and performance expectations for the pillar. Recruit and retain communicators who combine scientific proficiency with strategic ambition and creative instinct.
• CROSS-PILLAR AND ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION: Coordinate closely with the Global Consumer Science Communications and Emerging + Portfolio Scientific Communications pillars to ensure data narratives flow into consumer-facing storytelling, executive presentations, and enterprise reputation strategy. Partner with Issues Management, Investor Relations, Business Development Communications, and Public Affairs to align messaging across collaborator audiences.
• MEDIA STRATEGY AND STORYTELLING: Develop and implement proactive media strategy for pipeline landmarks, ensuring Lilly's scientific leadership is reflected in priority media coverage. Build relationships with key science and health journalists. Ensure data communications drive narrative penetration, share of scientific voice, and positive-to-neutral sentiment.

Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in communications, science, public relations, or related field
• 12+ Years of communications experience, with significant depth 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 experience leading large, matrixed communications teams across multiple therapeutic areas or business functions
• Consistent record of strategic counsel to C-suite or senior executive audiences
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies around clinical data, regulatory landmarks, and scientific congresses. Scientific expertise and prowess required.
• Deep understanding of the drug development lifecycle from pre-clinical through regulatory approval and the communications implications at each stage
• Fluency across multiple therapeutic areas with the ability to synthesize cross-TA narratives into enterprise-level stories
• Exceptional media relations skills, including experience with top-tier business, science, and health journalists
• Proven record of building and scaling high-performing teams, including recruiting for rare-profile roles that combine scientific and communications expertise
• Strong judgment in high-pressure, ambiguous situations with incomplete information
• Proactive, anticipatory mindset with the ability to see around corners and shape narratives before competitors define them
• Experience with congress strategy, publications planning, and investor communications
• Able to operate at the intersection of science, business, and reputation with the ability to translate across all three
Additional Information
• Location: Indianapolis, IN. Hybrid work schedule for Indianapolis-based candidates. Domestic and international travel expected (20-30%)

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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