Director of Communications, North America and Global R&D
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. 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.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts; Holly Springs, North Carolina; Summit, New Jersey; or Washington DC (USA)
How to Apply for this Director of Communications Position
If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
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Allyson Kurian: Originally from the US, Allyson specialises in corporate affairs and financial communications, working across both the US and UK markets. She focuses on mid-to-senior level roles agency-side and in-house, with expertise spanning financial PR, IR and crisis &...
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