Job Description

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, this role is responsible for issues management at the enterprise-level for BMS.

As part of the Corporate Affairs Leadership team, this individual will drive end-to-end strategy, execution and communication response across a range of issues impacting the business and brand.

The role requires an individual with proven experience in driving anticipatory, strategic management processes that help organizations detect and respond appropriately to emerging trends or changes in the socio-political environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive development and effective implementation of global issues management plans, messaging and materials needed to successfully address and mitigate potential issues and developments that could impact reputation.
• Develop stakeholder and issue mapping and dynamically track and update ongoing movement of both through social listening, media tracking, academia, think tanks and other research tools.
• Responsible for development and overseeing execution against a consistent framework for issues management response efforts and communications.
• Accountable for identifying and tracking potential threats to the organization and leading the development of protocols to mitigate those threats.
• Responsible for driving reputation research and providing insights and analysis of critical business issues. Regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and develop contingency plans to address the most pressing potential scenarios.
• Accountable for communication strategies across business and regulatory issues impacting BMS’ global reputation.
• Oversee management of global issues response frameworks and playbooks, including development of new scenarios and refined in areas where BMS can drive a more agile response.
• Build relationships with and collaborate closely with colleagues from BMS business units, along with professionals from finance, legal and human resources and more to unearth and assemble detailed information needed to address potential issues. Leverage expertise of colleagues to develop, refine and finalize messaging and materials required to adequately address issues and potential reputation threats.
• Responsible for updating senior leadership on issue planning, late-breaking developments and need-to-know information related to reputation management activities.
• Responsible for the preparation of BMS executives to address sensitive or controversial topics in interviews, speeches, panel discussions and other public forums.
• Accountable for engagement with tier one global media outlets, up to and including serving as an on-the-record company spokesperson.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 15+ years issues/reputation management experience in pharmaceutical industry.
• Knowledge of financial communications is a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional track record of engaging media and influencers to successfully manage potential reputation threats. Experience as a company spokesperson.
• Proven ability to work within teams to develop successful multi-faceted communications programs that reach across teams, functions and geographies with demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience on the front lines of driving crisis and issues response strategies in a global, matrixed organization, including applying best practices related to crisis preparation and response. Constantly thinking about innovating and always looking to do things better.
• Understanding of misinformation and disinformation and what goes into forensic analysis of content and the trajectory of a crisis.
• Calm and cool under pressure. Attention to detail is critical.
• Strong understanding of how to use data and research to drive planning.
• Experience partnering with legal, risk, government engagement and other cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative.
• Able to achieve results and to operate within a complex, fast-paced and changing environment.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. 

Physical presence at the BMS worksite or physical presence in the field is an essential job function of this role which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and enhances the Company culture.

To protect the safety of our workforce, customers, patients and communities, the policy of the Company requires all employees and workers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have received an exception based on an approved request for a medical or religious reasonable accommodation.  Therefore, all BMS applicants seeking a role located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico must confirm that they have already received or are willing to receive the full COVID-19 vaccination by their start date as a qualification of the role and condition of employment.  This requirement is subject to state and local law restrictions and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions such as Montana. This requirement is also subject to discussions with collective bargaining representatives in the U.S.

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or if you are applying to a role based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and you believe that you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, during or any part of the recruitment process, please direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.