External Comms Associate Director

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Onsite Flexibility: Hybrid — on average 3 days a week from office

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 9 months (maternity leave cover)
• Start: July 13, 2026
• Pay Rate: $95.00–$100.00 / Hour (USD)
• Shift / Schedule: Normal business hours, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

The Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement will lead the internal communications and engagement strategy for two global multi-site functions in Oncology R&D — Biologics Engineering (BE) and Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD). Working with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, senior leaders, and corporate affairs, you will use proven and innovative mechanisms to bring the strategy and portfolio to life and inspire communities as we work towards achieving a bold ambition for 2030. Through creative and impactful communications, the successful candidate will contribute to building a culture of learning and transparency. This critical role leads the internal science engagement and communications strategy for both functions, acting as a key partner and point of contact for the SVP, providing dedicated strategic communications and support to this innovative, progressive, and highly visible leader. Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will develop an exciting internal communications agenda featuring innovative solutions to enhance employee engagement and tell the BE and OTD stories. You will partner with R&D corporate affairs to align and shape science communications that enhance the external reputation of these organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the internal science communications and engagement strategy for BE and OTD, working closely with diverse stakeholders including the SVP, Business Planning & Operations (BPO) lead, and the BE and OTD Leadership Teams
• Work directly with the SVP and leadership teams to define the strategic focus and develop content for internal and external engagements (e.g., external scientific presentations and Town Hall meetings)
• Provide strategic input into the broader Oncology R&D (ORD) internal communications strategy (events, awards, overarching campaigns)
• Responsible for the overarching internal editorial calendar and messaging to raise the visibility of BE achievements and to communicate scorecard (goals) progress
• Support the SVP with their external and internal scientific presentations
• Lead the strategy for enhancing engagement of BE Leadership team internally
• Strong immersion in the scientific portfolio and project pipeline, understanding and championing the innovative scientific breakthroughs
• Drive innovative solutions (including digital media and AI) to communicate the scorecard and scientific priorities and bring the BE science to life
• Overall accountable for delivery of key business reports to capture scientific achievements / deliverables
• Partner with Oncology R&D Corporate Affairs to craft external communications to enhance the external scientific reputation of BioEngineering and Oncology Targeted Discovery
• Work as a strong, matrix stakeholder business partner to deliver in a collaborative and engaging manner leading to successful delivery against goals

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proven capability to clearly articulate complex scientific data and turn it into effective and compelling communications that are appropriate for the audience
• Prior pharmaceutical/healthcare experience in a strategic communications role
• Broad knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process
• Strong influencing, networking, and team leading skills with all levels of peers and colleagues; self-starter with a track record of quickly building trust
• A proven track record of delivering tasks in a timely manner; comfortable with prioritization and trade-off conversations
• Experience in working within complex, fast-paced, high-performing teams
• Experience of supporting executive communications to engage and motivate internal associates — across geographic, seniority, and functional levels

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of external communication requirements with particular focus on social media and traditional media engagement
• Scientific knowledge in Oncology or related science areas
• Experience leading change or transformation communications

Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) in life sciences — required
• PhD or MSc in Life Science — desirable

Required Experience

• 5 years of experience working as a senior communicator (for example, director level) supporting a highly visible and senior leader/executive as a strategic partner

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

Important Notes

• Interview process: two rounds — (1) 30-minute video interview; (2) one-hour in-person interview
• Candidates should be prepared to walk through an example of scientific communication activities they have led, detailing the scientific challenge, communication objective, key stakeholders involved, and success metrics
• Candidates must have experience preparing materials for key audiences such as healthcare professionals, key external experts (KEs) / Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and internal employees
• Candidates must have led activities such as internal town halls, scientific presentations to KEs/KOLs, and internal scientific educational events

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Job Number: 26-06869