Senior Director, External Communications

Job Description

General Summary:

The Communications Senior Director develops and leads global external and internal communications activities for several Vertex-approved products and pipeline programs to drive a greater understanding of Vertex's business strategy, robust pipeline and specific diseases of focus.

This role will focus on collaborating with cross-functional partners, including commercial, medical, government affairs, regulatory and patient advocacy, among others, to deliver effective and compliant communications across a range of channels including developing product communications plans and leading brand-level communications activities from a program's inception through launch and lifecycle management.

As a people manager within the organization, this role also has financial accountabilities and human resource responsibilities for assigned staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the internal and external communications strategy for certain approved products and pipeline programs, acting as the global communications lead in collaboration with cross functional teams
• Manage creation of materials to support brand communications for late-stage milestones
• Identify potential brand and franchise-related issues and develop proactive issues management strategies
• Serve as liaison and communications advisor for key internal stakeholders through the Disease Strategy Teams and Business Unit Leadership Teams
• Establish and maintain relationships with key healthcare, business and trade reporters
• Manage PR firm relationships - from initial RFP and onboarding through lifecycle of the engagement - and budgets and ensure alignment between regional communications teams
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of portfolio and brand businesses inclusive of strategies, goals and market challenges
• Develop clear and compelling messaging platforms that will resonate with key audiences and maintain all communications collateral materials
• Work collaboratively with the head of international communications and in-country teams to develop globally relevant and culturally appropriate program communications to support ex-U.S. launches
• Drive Vertex's corporate narrative, image and brand and communicate it appropriately and effectively through external channels
• Serve as a member of the corporate communications leadership team, contributing to overall team development, helping establish best practices across the team and providing mentorship/leadership coaching to junior team members

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in product communications within the biotech or pharma industry
• Crisis and issues management experience
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech business model, regulatory and reimbursement processes and current industry trends
• Experience leading global communications efforts to support the launch of a novel or first-of-its-kind therapy
• Proficiency in translating high science content into meaningful messages for external audiences
• Strong media experience and successful track record as a spokesperson
• People management experience
• Experience working on a day-to-day basis with senior leaders and/or C-suite level management
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
• Proven ability to anticipate communications needs based on the lifecycle of a product and competitive landscape and an ability to adapt approach to a challenge
• Ability to successfully influence without authority and develop strong internal partnerships

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, liberal arts, business or science-oriented field (or international equivalent)
• Typically requires 12 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com