At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external strategy and science advocacy to shape pharmaceutical innovation.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company committed to advancing healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health benefits, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on drug development and policy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree and extensive experience in pharma R&D and regulatory engagement.
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).
Key Responsibilities
- 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 and 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. This includes 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.
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.
Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy employer: WISE Campaign
GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic fields of pharmaceutical development and data science. 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 Cambridge and Waltham, which are hubs for scientific research and innovation.
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 related to pharmaceutical innovation and science advocacy. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Post articles or comment on relevant topics in drug development and data science. This not only showcases your knowledge but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees or hiring managers through LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and express your interest in the position. A little initiative can go a long way in making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest trends in clinical development and regulatory policies. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to enhance your skills. The more knowledgeable you are, the more valuable you become to potential employers.
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 partnerships or collaborations you've led.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve influenced teams and driven strategic initiatives in your previous roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and engage with diverse stakeholders in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain complex scientific concepts and your achievements. This will help us understand your expertise without getting lost in jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Science and Policy Inside Out
For a role like Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of both scientific concepts and policy frameworks. Brush up on the latest developments in clinical trials, real-world evidence, and digital health technologies. Be ready to discuss how these elements can influence drug development and regulatory strategies.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
This position requires strong relationship-building abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with regulatory bodies, industry consortia, or academic institutions. Highlight your established networks within organisations like PhRMA or EFPIA, and be ready to discuss how these connections can benefit the company.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will be looking for your ability to think strategically about external engagement and policy advocacy. Prepare to discuss how you would develop and execute policy strategies related to clinical trial innovation and AI/ML-enabled drug development. Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate your approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. Think about potential challenges in advancing the organisation's external presence and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
