Associate Director, Real World Data Strategy

Role Description

RWD Strategy is accountable for strategic prioritization and acquisition, data governance and enablement, development of scalable data products, advancement of AI-ready data foundations, and establishment of end-to-end data quality, knowledge, and context layers to democratize data, accelerate innovation, and improve outcomes.

The Associate Director, Real World Data Strategy plays a critical role in driving end-to-end RWD capabilities across strategy, partnerships, acquisition, data management, product development, governance, and value realization. This role operates in a highly matrixed environment and is responsible for ensuring RWD investments deliver measurable business value, enable scalable data products, and support advanced analytics and AI use cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and supports the development and execution of real-world data (RWD) initiatives aligned with R&D and enterprise priorities.
• Partners with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into data-driven solutions.
• Drives prioritization and delivery of data and analytics initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic goals and maximum business impact.
• Contributes to identification, evaluation, and utilization of data assets, including internal and external sources.
• Supports end-to-end lifecycle of data, including acquisition, management, and enablement for downstream use.
• Ensures data quality, consistency, accessibility, and usability across platforms and use cases.
• Collaborates with product, engineering, and analytics teams to enable development and adoption of scalable data solutions.
• Promotes standardization, reuse, and efficient utilization of data assets across the enterprise.
• Ensures adherence to data governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Enables effective use of data for analytics, reporting, and advanced use cases including AI/ML.
• Drives stakeholder engagement, communication, and adoption of data capabilities and solutions.
• Monitors progress, risks, and outcomes, and communicates insights to leadership through structured updates.
• Supports continuous improvement of processes, frameworks, and capabilities to enhance overall data strategy and execution.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master in life science or data-related field, or MBA).
• 5+ years of experience in data strategy, analytics, consulting, or real-world data (RWD) related roles.
• Expertise in various real-world data (RWD) types, such as claims, electronic health records (EHR), registries, and other healthcare data sources.
• Experience in healthcare, life sciences, or real-world data ecosystem required.
• Proven experience working in cross-functional, matrixed environments.

Requirements

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Excellent communication and executive storytelling skills.
• Strong execution mindset with ability to translate strategy into delivery plans.
• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen.
• Experience in data strategy, data products, and analytics ecosystems.
• Understanding of data governance, compliance, and data lifecycle management.
• Experience in demand management, prioritization, and program delivery.
• Ability to translate business needs into scalable data and analytics solutions.
• Strong program management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of AI/ML data readiness and modern data platforms.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include:
  • Paid Time Off: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval), 11 paid national holidays.
  • Additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs, and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Year's Day.