I am sourcing for a Head of Communications that will lead the strategy, development, and execution of all internal and external communication initiatives for a pharmaceutical company. This senior role is critical in ensuring consistent messaging aligned with the company’s goals, vision, and values. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in public relations, corporate communications, and media relations, with a focus on the pharmaceutical or biotech industries.
This role requires a dynamic leader who can craft compelling narratives that enhance brand reputation and effectively communicate scientific innovation, business strategies, and corporate values.
Key Responsibilities
- Communication Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives, focusing on brand positioning, product messaging, and corporate reputation.
- Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Act as the primary spokesperson for the company.
- Crisis Communication: Manage crisis communications, including the development of response strategies for regulatory issues, product recalls, or any other reputational risks.
- Internal Communications: Lead internal communications efforts to ensure employee engagement, alignment on corporate goals, and transparent messaging across all departments.
- Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate communication with key stakeholders, including investors, board members, regulatory bodies, and healthcare professionals, ensuring consistent, clear, and accurate dissemination of information.
- Content Creation: Oversee the development of press releases, white papers, speeches, presentations, digital content, and social media strategy. Ensure all communications are compliant with industry regulations (e.g., FDA, EMA).
- Brand Management: Work closely with marketing and product development teams to ensure messaging consistency across all channels and materials.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the communications team, ensuring high performance and professional growth within the department.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Oversee CSR communications and publicize initiatives that reflect the company's commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and community outreach.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
- 13+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.
- Proven experience in developing and executing successful communication strategies for highly regulated industries.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, accessible language.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Expertise in crisis communications and handling sensitive topics in public forums.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical sector, including FDA, EMA, and other governing bodies.
Preferred Skills
- Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including drug development, regulatory processes, and healthcare market trends.
- Strong network of media contacts within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Experience working with C-suite executives and managing high-profile external relationships.
- Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and initiatives.