Director, External Affairs, Financial & Business Development Communications

We are searching for the best talent to join our team as the Director, External Affairs, Financial & Business Development Communications located in our New Brunswick, NJ office. This role will lead integrated external engagement strategies that advance, protect and defend the company’s reputation, support enterprise priorities, and enable business growth. 

This role will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, driving proactive and reactive communications for J&J MedTech. The Director will lead the J&J MedTech External Affairs team with direct responsibility for proactive earned media strategy and management of key reputational issues. They will also lead communications strategy for financial milestones, business development activities—including acquisitions and divestitures—ensuring alignment with enterprise messaging and governance standards. 

The position operates in a complex, global environment and requires media relations experience, strong business insight, executive presence, and the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. 

Key Responsibilities 

Media Relations & External Engagement 

• Shape and implement media engagement strategies across business, financial, and trade media 

• Lead proactive storytelling to strengthen Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s reputation as an innovator and trusted partner 

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists and external partners 

• Oversee development of press materials, messaging, and external content 

• Ensure alignment across Communications, Investor Relations, Public Affairs, Legal, and other functions 

• Shape strategic narratives tied to business performance, innovation, and portfolio transformation 

Issues Management & Reputation Protection 

• Lead cross-functional coordination on emerging issues and reputational risks 

• Develop and deploy holding statements, reactive messaging, and stakeholder communications 

• Ensure readiness through governance frameworks, SOPs, and issues management processes 

• Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and Public Affairs on sensitive or high-risk topics 

Financial Communications 

• Partner with Investor Relations to manage communications for key financial landmarks, including earnings and Enterprise Business Review 

• Translate complex financial and operational performance into clear, compelling messaging for investors and media 

• Partner closely with Investor Relations and Finance leadership to ensure message consistency and regulatory alignment 

Business Development Communications (M&A) 

• Lead communications strategy for material acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships 

• Develop messaging frameworks, stakeholder communications, and executive positioning for high-profile transactions 

• Partner with Legal and Regulatory teams to ensure compliant disclosure and execution 

Strategic Advisory & Executive Counsel 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on external positioning and reputational risk 

• Support executive visibility through media engagements, thought leadership, and key external forums 

• Provide communications guidance during high-impact announcements, issues, and transformation achievements 

Operational Excellence & Team Leadership 

• Establish and evolve governance tools, templates, and processes to enable scalable execution 

• Lead and mentor team members and cross-functional partners

• Drive continuous improvement across communications planning, execution, and measurement 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 

• 10+ years of experience in external affairs, corporate communications, media relations, investor communications, or related field 

• Direct media relations and issues management experience 

• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and leading high-profile, complex initiatives 

• Strong understanding of financial communications, media landscape, and stakeholder engagement 

• Experience supporting business development activities (e.g., M&A, integrations, separations) 

• Proven ability to operate effectively in a globalorganization 

• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and executive communication skills 

Preferred 

• Experience in healthcare, MedTech, or highly regulated industries 

• Experience leading communications for acquisitions and divestitures 

• Familiarity with regulatory and disclosure requirements