Director of Communications, North America and Global R&D

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.