External Communications Director

Job Description

General Summary:

The External Communications Director will support and drive external communications for Vertex. This role will serve as a strategic partner to develop and implement communications strategies and plans that help drive the success of the company's marketed and pipeline programs, specifically leading global communications for povetacicept (pove). Pove is a potential best-in-class product across multiple renal indications and other b cell-mediated diseases. This role will focus on collaborating with cross-functional partners, including commercial/marketing, clinical, medical, investor relations and patient advocacy, among others, to deliver effective communications through a variety of tactics and channels to reach key audiences. This includes developing product communications plans and leading brand-level corporate communications activities from the pre-launch phase through a product's lifecycle.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead day-to-day global communications activities for pove in both current indications including IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy, and potential future indications, including support for medical congresses, regulatory milestones, data unblinding milestones and launch preparation efforts
• Develop and execute product communications plans and programs (i.e disease education and awareness, approach differentiation, launch readiness plans, marketing communications, etc.) for pove across indications
• 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
• Oversee all internal communications related to pove, serving as the subject matter expert across the entire corporate communications team for this program
• 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
  

Knowledge and Skills:

• Specialized experience in product communications and crisis and issues management
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech business model, regulatory and reimbursement processes and current industry trends
• Specialized experience leading 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
• Specialized experience managing product issues and crises
• 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
• Very strong collaboration, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to deliver results with limited direction and guidance and on tight deadlines
• Excellent follow-through and attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment even in challenging, complex situations
• Ability to work closely with senior leaders on messaging, media training and general communications guidance/best-practice
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business, Political Science or a related field
• Typically requires ten 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