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Head of R&D and External Innovation Communications (Sr. Director)

Cambridge, Massachusetts
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At Takeda, we are guided by our purpose of creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. Every corporate function plays a role in making sure we — as a Takeda team — can discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet.

People join Takeda because they share in our purpose. And they stay because we’re committed to an inclusive, safe and empowering work environment that offers exceptional experiences and opportunities for everyone to pursue their own ambitions.

Job ID R0158832 Date posted 07/23/2025 Location Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE

The Global R&D Communications Team is responsible for advancing Takeda’s scientific thought leadership demonstrating the impact of the organization’s work, partnerships, and commitment. The Head of R&D and External Innovation Communications (Sr. Director) is a leader of the R&D and Portfolio Communications Team. The position leads the Global R&D Communications team to generate awareness and excitement around Takeda’s R&D strategy, pipeline and innovation agenda. The Head of R&D and External Innovation Communications (Sr. Director) will:

  • Assume responsibility for strategic direction and day to day management of the Global R&D Communications team.

  • Provide oversight and management of the team’s professional development.

  • Drive the strategic development and execution of global internal and external communications to increase the awareness and understanding of our pipeline, partnerships, scientific platforms and business performance.

  • Shape content strategy and development related to our Global R&D story and Therapeutic Area Units (Oncology, Neuroscience and Gastrointestinal and Inflammation) distributed across a variety of channels including digital platforms, social media, video and print.

  • Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior executives in the Global R&D organization collaborating with global corporate affairs, business unit communications colleagues and other Takeda leaders to execute programming, as appropriate.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Drive and manage a variety of internal and external communications projects that may include but are not limited to:

  • Developing and executing communications strategies supporting early pipeline milestones, R&D partnerships and R&D business development transactions.

  • Leading and executing internal/external storytelling efforts that support R&D business objectives, external collaborations, and priority areas of scientific innovation.

  • Developing messaging platforms for executives and supporting executive visibility initiatives, working closely with the President of R&D.

  • Effectively navigate and manage issues impacting R&D, working closely with crisis leaders to ensure business continuity.

  • Writing articles, frequently asked question documents, press releases, creating presentations and developing communications materials in support of business initiatives, programs and events for both internal and external audiences.

  • Overseeing the creation of intranet, web and social media content in collaboration with the team and our agency partners.

  • Collaborating with the team to implement measurement tools and analytics that demonstrate the efficacy of communications programs and initiatives.

  • Ensuring all communications comply with Takeda operating procedures and relevant industry regulations.

  • Assuming responsibility for the Global R&D Communications Budget.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

  • Science communications experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree in communications or life sciences field required (minimum).
  • 15+ years of communications experience developing external communication strategies for a global complex organization required.
  • Minimum of 10 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology, or health care industry experience required.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
  • Experience working with C-suite and senior executives required.
  • Strategic thinker.  Ability to drive effective meetings and drive consensus.
  • Scientific storyteller. Ability to develop communications that convey complex ideas and scientific concepts in simple, concise and creative ways to engage employees and external audiences across channels (written, social media, and multimedia content).
  • Deep understanding of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry environment, media landscape and possess strong business and financial acumen.
  • Strong presentation skills to communicate and persuade a wide range of audiences.
  • Strong writing and message development skills with an ability to write and adapt to various styles, formats and cultures.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and under pressure with proficient attention to detail.
  • Ability to balance short- and long-term priorities.
  • Strong manager of people with experience leading and managing large teams; mentoring and coaching junior staff.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

USA - MA - Cambridge - Kendall Square - 500

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

USA - MA - Cambridge - Kendall Square - 500

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Success profile

What makes a successful team member within Corporate at Takeda?

  • Collaborative
  • Strategic
  • Insightful
  • Results driven
  • Goal-oriented
  • Achiever
The environment is dynamic and evolving, so you have to be adaptable.

Maciej Niedospial - Business Reporting Manager

I’m fortunate enough to work with a highly skilled, diverse and dedicated bunch of people, and for that, I’m grateful! My colleagues continue to amaze me.

Sheelagh Gartlan - Recruitment Business Partner

Takeda is a company that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. By bringing people together who have diverse backgrounds, competencies, and personalities, innovation and ideas grow.

Michelle Chen - Human Resources Manager

  • Impact across generations Partnership brings together world-leading plasma companies to focus on developing and delivering a hyperimmune immunoglobulin in the global fight against COVID-19.
  • Takeda Scoops Global Top Employers® Award Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited today announced it has become part of a select group of only 15 to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

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About our location

Cambridge, Massachusetts


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