At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external strategy and science advocacy to shape pharmaceutical innovation.
- Company: Join a leading global healthcare company committed to advancing science and improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health benefits, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug development and policy shaping while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree and extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D and regulatory engagement required.
The Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy is a strategic leadership role responsible for advancing Development Science’s external presence, policy positioning with internal partners, and innovation agenda across clinical development and statistical/data science/modeling functions. This individual serves as a key interface between internal Development Sciences and the broader scientific, regulatory, and policy ecosystem—driving collaborative initiatives that shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation. The role requires a combination of scientific understanding, policy acumen, and relationship‑building excellence to influence the external landscape while accelerating the technical capabilities of the Development Sciences organization. The role works in close collaboration with other R&D teams and external engagement leaders (e.g., CSO’s office, Government Affairs, Regulatory Policy, Biostatistics, CPMS, and AIML).
External Engagement & Partnership
- Lead the Development Science organization’s non‑product engagement strategy with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, PMDA, NMPA, ICH, and other global bodies), collaborating with regulatory strategy and policy teams to ensure alignment with R&D priorities in clinical development, data science, real‑world data/evidence (RWD/E), and use of modeling to inform discovery and drug development.
- Represent the organization at industry consortia, trade associations (e.g., PhRMA, EFPIA), and cross‑industry working groups to shape shared standards, frameworks, and best practices.
- Work closely with Development Sciences leadership to build and sustain strategic partnerships with academic and research institutions to co‑develop innovative methodologies, foster data pipelines, and advance pre‑competitive science.
- Engage with government and public policy bodies to contribute to policy positions that enable responsible adoption of RWD/E, patient‑reported outcomes (PROs), digital biomarkers, and novel clinical trial designs.
- Assess collaborative proposals from pharmaceutical companies for merit and strategic alignment and coordinate their internal evaluation and funding processes within GSK.
- Proactively scan and interpret emerging global regulatory guidance and policy expectations, translating insights into clear implications and partnering with Regulatory, Development Sciences, and digital teams to support timely and coordinated adoption.
Policy Development & Advocacy
- Develop and execute policy strategies related to clinical trial innovation, AI/ML‑enabled drug development, and RWD/E frameworks.
- Monitor and analyse the evolving regulatory and legislative landscape; translate implications into actionable intelligence for R&D leadership and senior stakeholders.
- Author and contribute to regulatory submissions, white papers, public comment letters, and position papers on behalf of the organization.
- Partner with legal, regulatory strategy, regulatory policy, and government affairs teams to ensure coherent and consistent external messaging.
Technical Function Advancement
- Champion the adoption and external visibility of innovation within clinical development (e.g., decentralized trials, adaptive designs, patient‑centric endpoints) and data science (e.g., advanced statistics, innovative trial design, predictive models, generative AI applications for workflows).
- Collaborate closely with internal clinical, biostatistics, AIML, data science, and digital R&D teams to identify opportunities for external amplification and policy enablement of technical advances.
- Support the development of publication and conference strategies that elevate the company’s scientific leadership and thought leadership profile.
- Promote awareness in Development Sciences about available resources that support technical skill development and provide leadership with strategic insights to external trends.
Leadership & Organizational Impact
- Partner with Development Sciences leadership to set the external engagement vision and integrate it into the broader R&D strategy.
- Advise Development Sciences leadership on priority external engagement and policy advocacy efforts based on regulatory impact, maturity, and strategic value to R&D.
- Represent the company on high‑profile external boards, advisory committees, and steering groups.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degrees (PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in life science, clinical, quantitative/data science, or related discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical/biotech R&D, with significant exposure to clinical development and/or quantitative/data science functions.
- 5+ years' demonstrated track record of engaging regulatory, legislative or governing bodies relating to drug development, RWD/E, digital health technologies or novel clinical trial methodologies, including shaping policy outcomes.
- Proven ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts for policy, regulatory, and non‑specialist audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within or alongside industry trade associations and consortia (e.g., IMI, FNIH, OHDSI) or academic collaboration frameworks.
- Established network within PhRMA, EFPIA, TransCelerate, or equivalent bodies.
- Strong leadership experience with cross‑functional influence and complex stakeholder management.
- Experience in pre‑competitive consortia (e.g., IMI, FNIH, OHDSI) or academic collaboration frameworks.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for real‑world evidence (RWE), digital biomarkers, model‑informed drug development, and/or decentralized clinical trials.
- Published author or recognized scientific/policy spokesperson.
Benefits & Compensation
If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $206,250 to $343,750. If you are based in another US location, the annual base salary range is $187,500 to $312,500. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long‑term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage people who value inclusion to apply. GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
Agency Referrals
GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK’s commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. If you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements.
Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy employer: Gsk
GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic field of pharmaceutical development. With a strong commitment to employee growth, GSK offers extensive benefits including competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, and opportunities for professional advancement, all while being situated in vibrant locations like Upper Providence and London. The company values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard and contributing to meaningful advancements in science and policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups to meet potential colleagues and mentors. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Research the company and the role inside out. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like regulatory engagement and innovative methodologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your thought leadership! Write articles or share insights on platforms like LinkedIn about trends in drug development or data science. This can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation and collaboration in the pharmaceutical space.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Director role. Highlight your experience in external strategy and science advocacy, and don’t forget to mention any relevant collaborations with regulatory bodies or industry consortia.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience in leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've driven initiatives that shaped policy or advanced scientific innovation.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain complex scientific concepts and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see how well you can communicate with both specialists and non-specialists.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gsk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape, especially around clinical development and data science. Brush up on recent regulatory changes and innovations in drug development to show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Build Your Network
Before the interview, try to connect with current or former employees of the company. This can give you insider insights into the company culture and expectations. Plus, having a few names to drop during your conversation can demonstrate your proactive approach to networking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially related to policy advocacy or collaboration with regulatory bodies. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships or influenced policy outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves significant leadership and cross-functional influence, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to lead teams, drive strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration across diverse groups.
