Please note this role can be based in the following places: Boston, Massachusetts; Holly Springs, North Carolina; Summit, New Jersey; or Washington DC
Our client is a global biopharmaceutical business and a leader in vaccine development and manufacturing, protecting communities worldwide. The organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation, unlocking fresh opportunities for agility and innovation. It is a great time to join a purpose-driven business shaping the future of global health.
The company is seeking a Director to lead Communications across North America and Global R&D. This senior leadership role is accountable for strategic planning and execution of external, leadership and employee communications, issues and crisis management, and functional communications supporting Commercial Operations across a major North America market. The role also leads communications for Global R&D milestones.
You will act as the primary communications business partner and strategic counsellor to the Heads of North America Commercial Operations and Global R&D. You will also lead all federal and national media and issues management in the region, including pandemic-related activities. Reporting to the Head of Communications, this role requires a strategic thinker with extensive communications experience in complex, issues-rich environments who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and be a hands-on operator. You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including the executive leadership team and CEO, delivering measurable results on a global stage.
Key Responsibilities for this Director of Communications Role
- Lead the commercial communications strategy for the vaccines portfolio across North America.
- Develop and deliver high-impact, integrated communications strategies to support business priorities and enhance corporate reputation.
- Manage all US national and federal media activities and act as a primary spokesperson for US issues and crises.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier health journalists, federal institutions, professional societies, advocacy groups and influential spokespeople.
- Serve as primary communications counsellor to the North America Commercial Operations and Global R&D leaders, contributing to strategic planning, risk mitigation, positioning and business decisions.
- Anticipate reputational risks and lead a global centralised issues repository, plus a comprehensive issues and crisis communications framework.
- Lead communications planning for Global R&D milestones and support wider global initiatives, including pandemic-related communications.
- Manage third-party communications agencies, including selection, onboarding and brand consistency.
- Collaborate across highly matrixed global teams, building strong partnerships with internal engagement and corporate affairs colleagues.
What We Are Looking for in this Communications Director
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field. A Master’s or MBA is a plus.
- Extensive communications experience across product, corporate or media communications.
- Pharma, biotech or similarly regulated environment experience preferred.
- Extensive experience directly managing media and issues, including crisis communications.
- Press secretary experience highly desirable.
- Expert understanding of digital communications.
- Proven track record managing communications and teams within a global, highly matrixed organisation.
- Exceptional ability to act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including executive and board-level stakeholders.