R&D Communications Director

Responsibilities:

• The R&D Communications Director will support Global Corporate Affairs to help tell the R&D story externally, uncovering, developing and delivering opportunities to showcase the great science and outstanding people we have in our teams.
• The role will involve working closely with R&D scientists - from discovery to development, as well as Global Corporate Affairs colleagues, developing multi-layered campaigns across digital, social and traditional media to bring the science of drug discovery and development to life. The content and stories you develop will need to resonate with a wide range of primarily external audience groups including collaborators, recruits and media.
• Development and delivery of an integrated external communications plans to strengthen our reputation as a scientific leader in science and technology platforms, across external stakeholders & channels
• Provide communications support and coaching to Expert Function Leaders, like Discovery Sciences and Clinical operations with regard to communicating scientific messages and external communications generally e.g. social
• Serves as counsellor and support for executive communications/external engagements for R&D leaders. Includes supporting key activities such as media interviews and speaking engagements.
• Showcase and amplify scientific publications relating to R&D science and tech, and highlight and support scientists across our digital platforms
• Ability to identify proactive comms opportunities and devise tactics that showcase R&D and are aligned with the overall strategy
• Support PR execution for partnering activities related to R&D science and tech, including development of press releases, statements, Q&As. Prepare for potential issues.
• Closely partner with Global Media and digital communications teams on relevant communications activities and identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration
• Support the markets to effectively communicate about our scientific programs and What Science Can Do
• Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools for all communications activities

Qualifications

• Established track record of delivering impactful, content rich communications programmes across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success
• Understanding and experience of creating scientific / technical content, ideally in biopharmaceutical context
• Experience of working with the media
• Experience of working with regional and market communicators to support excellent local delivery
• Exemplary native English-level written and verbal communications skills
• Team worker with high level of personal accountability

Desirable

• Entrepreneurial approach and desire to challenge the status quo
• Confidence around senior leaders and comfortable delivering alternative viewpoints
• Strong channel management, digital skills and knowledge of technology options
• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries
• Ability to undertake global travel will be required, primarily between other Strategic Science Centres

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.