Communications Manager

Job Description:

RandD Communications Director (Contract)

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Duration: 6-Month Contract (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days onsite, 2 days remote

Hours: Standard business hours

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced RandD Communications Director to lead strategic external communications that showcase groundbreaking scientific research, innovation, and the people driving it. This role partners closely with RandD scientists, senior leaders, and communications teams to develop compelling stories that highlight scientific advancements from discovery through clinical development.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pharmaceutical RandD communications, with direct experience supporting early-stage pipeline or therapy area communications. This is an excellent opportunity for a communications professional who can translate complex science into engaging content across digital, social, media, and executive communication channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated external communications strategies that strengthen the organization's reputation as a leader in scientific research and innovation.
• Partner with RandD scientists and functional leaders to identify, develop, and promote compelling scientific stories and achievements.
• Provide strategic communications counsel and coaching to senior RandD leaders for media interviews, speaking engagements, and external communications.
• Create and manage multi-channel communications campaigns across digital, social media, earned media, and traditional communications platforms.
• Showcase scientific publications, technology advancements, and research milestones through engaging external content.
• Identify proactive communications opportunities aligned with overall business and RandD objectives.
• Support public relations activities, including drafting press releases, media statements, QandA documents, and issue preparedness materials.
• Collaborate closely with media relations, digital communications, and regional communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and successful execution.
• Support global and regional teams with communications related to scientific programs and innovation initiatives.
• Measure campaign effectiveness using appropriate analytics and reporting tools to continuously improve communications performance.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific discipline (required).
• Proven experience developing and executing successful communications programs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Direct experience supporting RandD, early pipeline, or therapy area communications.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling content for external audiences.
• Experience working with media and supporting executive communications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating across global, cross-functional teams.
• High level of accountability, initiative, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a large global pharmaceutical or biotechnology organization.
• Familiarity with digital and social media platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and other emerging channels.
• Strong understanding of integrated communications strategies across traditional and digital media.
• Comfortable advising senior leaders and providing strategic communications counsel.
• Ability to build relationships across diverse teams and organizational levels.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying new communications opportunities.
• Willingness to travel globally on an occasional basis, as business needs require.
  
  

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Extensive pharmaceutical communications experiencenot general corporate communications alone.
• Direct experience supporting early-stage RandD, pipeline, or therapy area communications.
• Strong scientific acumen with the ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing integrated communications campaigns that combine media relations, digital content, and social media.
• Confidence working with senior executives, scientists, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with excellent project management skills.
  
  

Please Note:

• This is a 6-month contract supporting a maternity leave.
• Hybrid schedule requires three days per week onsite in Boston, MA.
• Fully remote arrangements are not available for this position.
  
  

$90.00 / hr

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