Our Boston, MA client is a leading global pharmaceutical company dedicated to science and patient well-being. They specialize in life-changing medicines and are committed to making a positive impact on healthcare worldwide. They are hiring a Senior Director, R&D Science Communications. Candidates are required to work in the office 3 days/week. The client offers relocation, but this is neither a remote nor telecommuting role.
The Senior Director, R&D Communications will lead activities that help tell the R&D story externally, uncovering, developing and delivering opportunities and creative ways to showcase the great science and outstanding people we have in our teams. This will help position the Company as the best science-led organization in the industry and the partner and employer of choice. It will have a strong focus on activities and impact within the US, increasing our visibility and enhancing our reputation.
The role will involve working closely with leaders and scientists across R&D and beyond – from discovery to development – as well as commercial and Global Corporate Affairs colleagues, developing multi-layered campaigns across digital, social and traditional media to bring the science of drug discovery and development to life. The content and stories you develop will need to resonate with a wide range of primarily external audience groups including collaborators, recruits and media.
Candidate Focus & Challenge
- Development and delivery of an integrated external communications strategy to strengthen the Company’s reputation as a scientific leader in science and technology platforms, across external stakeholders & channels
- Evolving existing messaging framework ensuring strategic priorities and capabilities are highlighted
- Lead PR execution for partnering activities related to R&D science and tech, including development of press releases, statements, Q&As. Prepare for potential issues.
- Closely partner with Global Media to create and execute an engagement program that positions the Company as the leading global science organization, enhancing reputation and understanding of what science can do, with a particular focus on the US
- Leverage digital communications to showcase activities and identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration
- Serves as senior counsellor and lead contact for executive communications/external engagements for senior R&D leaders. Includes supporting key activities such as media interviews, quarterly financial results reporting, investor events/roadshows and speaking engagements.
Candidate Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- 10+ years of experience in impactful communications programs within the biopharma industry or global agency whose clients are pharma companies.
- Established track record of delivering impactful, content rich communications programs across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success
- Experience of creating scientific / technical content, ideally in biopharmaceutical context
- Strong channel management, digital skills and knowledge of technology options.
- Experience of working with the media
- Experience of working with regional and market communicators to support excellent local delivery
- Confidence around most senior leaders and comfortable delivering alternative viewpoint
- Interest in science and passion for what science can do
- Entrepreneurial approach and desire to challenge the status quo
- Team worker with high level of personal accountability
- Experience of working with executive level leaders