📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Neuroscience Communications Lead (Director)
🔹 Company: Takeda
🔹 Location: Cambridge, MA (Hybrid: 2 days on-site per week)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-08
🔹 Experience Level: 12+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading U.S. communications for a high-priority Neuroscience franchise with a late-stage asset.
- Driving launch readiness and excellence for high-priority assets.
- Building trust with U.S. Neuroscience and franchise leadership as a business leader and thought partner.
- Operationalizing a new, high-performing Global R&D and Portfolio Communications team.
- Collaborating closely with the Lead, Neuroscience Communications to drive franchise and asset communications globally.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative thinker with a strong understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry and experience in Neuroscience communications.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead U.S. external (75%) and internal (25%) communications strategies for a Neuroscience franchise with a high-priority late-stage asset.
✅ Drive launch readiness and excellence for high-priority assets, including data readouts, regulatory milestones, launches, and life-cycle management.
✅ Build trust with U.S. Neuroscience and franchise leadership by providing strategic communications counsel and driving a patient-focused narrative.
✅ Create U.S. disease state education programs and above-brand positioning for Neuroscience assets.
✅ Partner closely with U.S. patient advocacy, public affairs, global corporate affairs colleagues, and investor relations to ensure a consistent Neuroscience and franchise narrative.
✅ Advise on communications strategies for major Neuroscience medical congresses where data will be presented.
✅ Lead issues and crisis planning and execution, as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Experience: 12+ years of work experience in pharma/biotech/healthcare, with a comprehensive understanding of the biopharma industry. Significant U.S. product launch experience required. At least 5 years of experience in product/pipeline communications, preferably in Neuroscience and/or sleep-wake disorders, rare neurology, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional communications programs closely connected to business priorities.
- Aspirational mindset with the ability to imagine and create possibilities for new paths forward.
- Strong experience defining project plans and leading project teams.
- Experience and confidence to challenge ideas and engage in debates with colleagues.
- Track record of successfully working across highly matrixed teams and influencing change within a large global organization.
- Outstanding attention to detail and highly organized, with the ability to meet important deadlines and work well under pressure.
- Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to anticipate and address opportunities and challenges in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Exceptionally strong decision-making and prioritization skills; ability to manage competing priorities and make difficult decisions for inclusion/exclusion.
- Required to prioritize and identify impactful initiatives, plan and execute on budgets, and deprioritize in times of constraint and limitations.
- Need to ensure medical, legal, and regulatory compliance across all communications content.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with external public relations agency partners.
- Fluency in additional languages.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on Neuroscience and rare diseases. Candidates should have a proven track record of driving strategic, integrated communications programs that are closely connected to business priorities.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $174,500 - $274,230 (U.S. Base Salary Range)
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Short-term Disability Coverage
- Long-term Disability Coverage
- Basic Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Paid Volunteer Time Off
- Company Holidays
- Well-being Benefits
- Sick Time
- Paid Vacation
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on various factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, 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.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Takeda is a global, values-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering life-transforming treatments for patients with rare genetic diseases and other serious illnesses.
Company Size: Takeda has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Takeda was founded in 1781 and has a rich history of innovation and patient focus.
Company Description:
- Takeda strives to transform lives through innovative medicines.
- The company's values guide its approach to doing what’s right for patients and for society.
- Takeda is committed to listening to and addressing what really matters to patients, the people who love them, and those in the healthcare system who provide care.
Company Specialties:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Therapeutics
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- and Vaccines
Company Website: Takeda.com
ASSUMPTION: Takeda's size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and development, as well as a diverse and inclusive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Head, Neuroscience Communications and collaborates closely with the Lead, Neuroscience Communications to drive franchise and asset communications globally.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid: 2 days on-site per week (Cambridge, MA) and 3 days remote.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and grow within the Neuroscience Communications team.
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from colleagues across global communications teams.
- Potential to influence the development and implementation of new, high-performing Global R&D and Portfolio Communications team.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and evolving global communications team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid: 2 days on-site per week (Cambridge, MA)
Office Location(s): Cambridge, MA (Takeda's U.S. headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Cambridge, MA, is a city in the Greater Boston metropolitan area, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong biotechnology industry.
- The city is home to several world-renowned universities and research institutions.
- Cambridge offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Boston's amenities and public transportation.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and remote work options.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environment and productivity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the Head, Neuroscience Communications
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Industry knowledge and experience in Neuroscience communications
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments.
- Research Takeda's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its priorities.
- Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on the Neuroscience landscape and Takeda's role in shaping the future of Neuroscience therapies.
ATS Keywords: Neuroscience, Communications, Director, Launch Readiness, Strategic Planning, Cross-functional Teams, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Medical Congresses, Crisis Management, Patient Advocacy, Public Affairs, Global Communications, Hybrid Work Arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Takeda's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- CRM and marketing automation tools (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various communication, project management, and collaboration tools to effectively lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic communications initiatives.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient Focus
- Integrity
- Fairness, Inclusion, and Diversity
- Accountability
- Medical Excellence
- Quality
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Agile and adaptable
- Data-driven and strategic
- Patient-focused and empathetic
- Results-oriented and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate patient focus in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you drove a strategic, cross-functional communications initiative that aligned with business priorities?
- How do you balance attention to detail with the ability to work well under pressure and meet important deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Takeda values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing competing priorities and making difficult decisions for inclusion/exclusion in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Ensuring medical, legal, and regulatory compliance across all communications content.
- Operationalizing a new, high-performing Global R&D and Portfolio Communications team.
- Building trust with U.S. Neuroscience and franchise leadership as a business leader and thought partner.
- Managing external public relations agency partners and overseeing communications budgets for Neuroscience portfolio and programs.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills to navigate successfully.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on Neuroscience communications and driving launch readiness for high-priority assets within a global biopharmaceutical company.
- Compared to similar roles in the industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of business, communications, and patient advocacy to drive meaningful change in the Neuroscience landscape.
- Career paths for this role may include progression to senior leadership positions within global communications or transitioning to other therapeutic areas within Takeda.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic communications, business acumen, and patient advocacy, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates with a strong background in Neuroscience communications and a passion for driving meaningful change.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications plan for a high-profile Neuroscience asset launch, including media relations strategies, digital/social strategy, congress communications, and quarterly investor messaging support.
- Creating a U.S. disease state education program and above-brand positioning for a rare Neuroscience asset, in collaboration with patient advocacy groups and medical experts.
- Driving a successful issues and crisis management plan for a Neuroscience asset, ensuring minimal impact on the company's reputation and patient trust.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical skills required to succeed in this role, as well as the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Takeda's broader communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Neuroscience franchise, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Takeda support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in communications roles?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
- How does Takeda measure the success of its communications initiatives, and what metrics are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments.
- Research Takeda's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its priorities.
- Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on the Neuroscience landscape and Takeda's role in shaping the future of Neuroscience therapies.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and address any remaining questions.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
