At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external strategy and advocacy for innovative pharmaceutical development.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company shaping the future of drug development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing science and policy in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree and extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D 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).
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.
Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy in London employer: WISE Campaign
As an Executive Director in External Strategy & Science Advocacy, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment that champions collaboration and scientific advancement. Our company offers a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and strategic partnerships with leading academic and research institutions. Located in vibrant areas such as Upper Providence, Washington DC, and Waltham, we provide competitive compensation packages and the chance to influence the future of pharmaceutical innovation while making a meaningful impact on global health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy in London
✨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 employers and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in areas like external strategy and science advocacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, External Strategy & Science Advocacy in London
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:We want to see how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in your previous roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic initiatives and build partnerships within the pharmaceutical landscape.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary, and make sure your passion for the role shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape, especially around regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA. Brush up on recent developments in clinical trial methodologies and real-world evidence to show you’re not just familiar but passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within industry trade associations and consortia. Be ready to discuss how these relationships can benefit the company and contribute to their external engagement strategy. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to leverage partnerships for innovation.
✨Prepare for Policy Discussions
Since this role involves policy development and advocacy, be prepared to discuss your experience with shaping policy outcomes. Think of specific examples where you've influenced regulatory or legislative bodies and how that aligns with the company's goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership and cross-functional influence. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex stakeholder environments. Show them you can drive initiatives and inspire collaboration across departments.
