Lead, R&D and Portfolio Communications

Takeda is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to people worldwide. Our passion and pursuit of potentially life-changing treatments for patients are deeply rooted in over 240 years of heritage. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Our Global Communications (GC) organization is taking on big challenges to deliver on Takeda’s vision. We are shapers and protectors of Takeda’s culture and reputation, building trust with external and internal stakeholders, and fostering ambassadorship.

Join us asLead, Research & Development (R&D) and Portfolio Communications (Associate Director Level)in our Cambridge, MA office.

Summary

The R&D and Portfolio Communications team leads communications for Takeda’s pipeline and marketed/established brands portfolio across specific therapeutic areas. This position reports to the Head of Rare Disease Communications, works across all therapeutic areas, and offers opportunities for advancement within the GC team.

The individual in this role will be empowered to create, implement, unify, and deploy Takeda’s external and internal positioning to protect and enhance our reputation. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring our communications align with our mission to provide life-transforming treatments.

The ideal candidate is skilled in product, issues, and crisis communications, and brings experience in using AI tools and technology to drive efficiency and innovation.

If you are a strategic communicator with a passion for healthcare and managing complex product communication challenges, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Position Objectives

• Execute comprehensive communication planning, agile strategies, and continuous monitoring across Takeda’s marketed brands portfolio and pipeline.

• Develop and build a center of excellence for therapeutic issues and crisis communications, including a robust framework for readiness and response capabilities.

• Proactively manage therapeutic lifecycle and program changes, craft messaging, mitigate emerging risks, and protect Takeda’s reputation.

• Enable a “One Takeda” approach to ensure consistency in our communications across external/internal stakeholders, regions, and therapeutic programs.

• Develop and maintain relevant communications frameworks, template resources, a best practice messaging library, and leverage Agentic AI/AI agents to support regional and country-level Takeda communications team members.

• Serve as a trusted communications counsel for relevant cross-functional partners and project teams; work closely with Global Issues Communications, regional/country, and Therapeutic Area Communications teams as needed.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including commercial, regulatory, legal, R&D, and medical affairs, to ensure cohesive communication strategies.

• Success in this role will be measured by the effectiveness of communication strategies, media coverage, and the ability to manage and mitigate complex issues.

Position Responsibilities

• Communication Planning and Strategy:
  Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans and agile strategies for Takeda’s marketed brands portfolio and pipeline programs.

• Messaging Development:
  Craft, maintain, and update strategic messaging; ensure communications are consistent and aligned across external and internal stakeholders.

• Crisis Management:
  Establish and maintain a communications center of excellence for handling therapeutic issues and crises, including a robust readiness and response framework.

• Lifecycle Management:
  Proactively manage therapeutic lifecycle and program changes, mitigate emerging risks, and protect Takeda’s reputation.

• Enterprise-first Approach:
  Promote a “One Takeda” approach by enhancing AI capabilities and centralizing communication materials.

• Resource Development:
  Create and maintain communication frameworks, template resources, and a best practice messaging library, including the integration of AI tools to support regional and country communicators.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  Serve as a trusted communications advisor for cross-functional partners and project teams. Collaborate closely with Global Issues Communications, regional/country, and Therapeutic Area Communications teams as needed.

Education, Behavioral Competencies, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience at a corporation or consultancy, with expertise in corporate, product, executive, and/or international communications.

• Experience supporting or managing therapeutic brands, as well as managing issues and building corporate reputation, is required.

• Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and knowledge of regulatory requirements.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills required.

• Experience leveraging AI tools, data-driven decision making, and digital resources to drive operational efficiencies is preferred.

• Healthcare industry experience required; experience supporting marketed therapeutic brand communications is preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 10% travel.