Associate Director, Corporate External Affairs, External Innovation & Business Development

CSL is seeking an influential communications leader to shape and elevate our reputation as a partner of choice for innovators developing therapies for rare and serious diseases. Working at the intersection of Corporate Affairs, Research & Development, Search & Evaluation, Business Development and Commercial teams, this role will develop and execute a global external innovation communications strategy that strengthens CSL's visibility, credibility and appeal among biotech founders, researchers, investors and potential partners.

This is a unique opportunity to directly support CSL's growth strategy by driving thought leadership, executive visibility, media engagement and innovative communications programs that help create high-quality partnering opportunities and strengthen CSL's position across the biotechnology ecosystem. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute CSL's external innovation and business development communications strategy
• Build and amplify a differentiated "partner of choice" narrative across key therapeutic areas and innovation platforms
• Partner with senior R&D, Search & Evaluation, Business Development and Commercial leaders to enhance strategic positioning and visibility
• Lead executive thought leadership programs, including keynote presentations, speaking engagements, articles, media interviews and industry events
• Drive proactive media relations strategies that position CSL leaders as trusted voices across biotechnology and scientific communities
• Develop integrated digital, social media and content campaigns that increase engagement with target audiences, including innovators, investors and prospective partners
• Create compelling content such as executive communications, partner success stories, scientific capability profiles, conference materials and website content
• Maximise the impact of CSL's participation at major scientific, partnering and biotechnology conferences
• Lead the enhancement of CSL's partnering and innovation digital presence, including partner-facing web content and experiences
• Establish performance metrics and reporting to measure reputation, awareness, engagement and communications impact

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related discipline
• Advanced qualifications such as an MBA or Master's degree in Communications are advantageous
• Demonstrated experience working within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare or related industries
• 10+ years' experience in corporate communications, healthcare communications, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or a related sector
• Proven success supporting senior executives and scientific leaders in global organisations
• Strong expertise in thought leadership, corporate reputation and executive communications
• Established media relations experience, ideally within life sciences or healthcare
• Experience designing and delivering integrated, multi-channel communications campaigns
• Exceptional writing, storytelling and content development capabilities
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging and accessible narratives
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across highly matrix environments
• Commercially minded with a strategic approach to communications and reputation building
• Excellent judgement, project leadership and presentation coaching capabilities
• Creative, collaborative and results-oriented, with a passion for innovation and storytelling

This role can be based in any of the following locations: Melbourne Australia, King of Prussia/Waltham US or Zurich Switzerland

Closing date for Applications: Friday 23rd October 2026