External Communications Senior Manager

Job Description

General Summary:

The External Communications Senior Manager is responsible for delivering corporate communication programs for Vertex. This role will work closely with the cross-functional team, as well as with the wider Corporate Affairs team, offering support and guidance to our teams as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help build external awareness and visibility of the company's mission, achievements and thought leadership focus areas through development, roll-out and evolution of our corporate narrative
• Actively build relationships with key media and handle requests and coordinate interviews with spokespeople, as appropriate
• Participate in the communications counsel to C-Suite and other executives in order to help communicate leadership vision and plans to media and decision-makers
• Assist in leading and running the media monitoring process, including identifying and tracking key media influencers, and triaging and helping resolve issues arising from media/social media
• Contribute to the effective reporting of communications activities
• Contribute to and implement strategic corporate communications programs, including the development of corporate key messages, press releases, media materials, Q&A documents, presentations, etc.
• Support issues mitigation and management
• Support the development and approval of digital assets and content
• May represent Communications internally as part of the cross-functional team (commercial, clinical, medical affairs, regulatory, etc.) and externally with a variety of different stakeholders

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech business model, regulatory and reimbursement processes, communications guidelines and market access environment
• Experience in developing and implementing external communications plans for medicines at all stages of the life cycle, including the reimbursement process
• Ability to understand and accurately communicate complex science
• Demonstrated experience in media relations (traditional and social), issues management; knowledge of healthcare and industry media and reporting trends
• Experience managing multiple projects (timelines, budgets, priorities) simultaneously; able to be flexible and maintain focus and operationally excellent in a rapidly changing environment
• Ability to interact with senior management and high-profile experts appropriately
• Strong collaboration, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to deliver results with limited direction and guidance and on tight deadlines
• Ability to give formal presentations to internal audiences of various sizes
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Fluency in English, written and spoken
• Global/international communication experience, PR agency experience or in-house at another pharmaceutical/biotech company required

Education and Experience:

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

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Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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