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

The R&D and Portfolio Communications team is charged with leading communications for Takeda’s pipeline and marketed/established brandsportfolio across specific therapeutic areas. This position reports to the Head of Rare Disease Communications, though works across all therapeutic areas, and offers opportunities for advancement within the GC team. The individual in this rolewill be empowered to create, implement, unify and deploy Takeda’s external and internal positioning that protects and enhances our reputation across our marketed/established brands portfolio.This position will play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing Takeda's reputation, ensuring that our communications align with our mission to provide life-transforming treatments. The ideal candidate will be skilled not only inproduct communications as well as issues and crisis communications, but also in using AI tools and technology to drive efficiency and innovation.

If you are a strategic communicator with a passion for healthcare andmanaging 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 crises communications,including a robust framework for readiness and response capabilities

• Proactively managing therapeutic lifecycle and program changes, crafting messaging, mitigating emerging risks and protecting Takeda’s reputation​

• Enable a “One Takeda” approach to ensure consistency in our communications approach across variousexternal and internal stakeholders,regions, andtherapeutic programs

• Develop and maintain relevant communications framework(s), template resources, a best practice messaging library and leverageAgentic AI/AI agents to support regional andcountry-level Takedacommunications team members

• Serve as a trusted communications counsel for relevant cross-functional partners and project teams, and working closely with Global Issues Communications, regional/countryandTherapeutic AreaCommunications teams as needed​

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including commercial, regulatory, legal,R&Dand 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 marketed brands portfolio and pipeline programs

• Messaging Development: Craft, maintain and update strategic messaging, and ensure our communications areconsistent/alignedacrossexternal and internal stakeholders

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

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

• Enterprise-firstApproach: 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 countrycommunicators

• 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

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience required at a corporation or consultancy with expertise in corporate, product, executiveand/or international communications

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

• Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and knowledge of regulatory requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required, as well as strong interpersonal skills

• Experience leveraging AI tools, data-driven decision making and digital resourcesto drive operational efficiencies ispreferred

• Healthcare industry experience required; experiencesupportingmarketed therapeutic brand communications ispreferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 10% travel