Director of Communications, North America and Global R&D

Please note this role can be based in the following places: Boston, Massachusetts; Holly Springs, North Carolina; Summit, New Jersey; or Washington DC Our client is a global biopharmaceutical business and a leader in vaccine development and manufacturing, protecting communities worldwide. The organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation, unlocking fresh opportunities for agility and innovation. It is a great time to join a purpose-driven business shaping the future of global health. The company is seeking a Director to lead Communications across North America and Global R&D. This senior leadership role is accountable for strategic planning and execution of external, leadership and employee communications, issues and crisis management, and functional communications supporting Commercial Operations across a major North America market. The role also leads communications for Global R&D milestones. You will act as the primary communications business partner and strategic counsellor to the Heads of North America Commercial Operations and Global R&D. You will also lead all federal and national media and issues management in the region, including pandemic-related activities. Reporting to the Head of Communications, this role requires a strategic thinker with extensive communications experience in complex, issues-rich environments who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and be a hands‑on operator. You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including the executive leadership team and CEO, delivering measurable results on a global stage. Key Responsibilities for this Director of Communications Role Lead the commercial communications strategy for the vaccines portfolio across North America. Develop and deliver high‑impact, integrated communications strategies to support business priorities and enhance corporate reputation. Manage all US national and federal media activities and act as a primary spokesperson for US issues and crises. Build and maintain strong relationships with top‑tier health journalists, federal institutions, professional societies, advocacy groups and influential spokespeople. Serve as primary communications counsellor to the North America Commercial Operations and Global R&D leaders, contributing to strategic planning, risk mitigation, positioning and business decisions. Anticipate reputational risks and lead a global centralised issues repository, plus a comprehensive issues and crisis communications framework. Lead communications planning for Global R&D milestones and support wider global initiatives, including pandemic‑related communications. Manage third‑party communications agencies, including selection, onboarding and brand consistency. Collaborate across highly matrixed global teams, building strong partnerships with internal engagement and corporate affairs colleagues. What We Are Looking for in this Communications Director Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field. A Master’s or MBA is a plus. Extensive communications experience across product, corporate or media communications. Pharma, biotech or similarly regulated environment experience preferred. Extensive experience directly managing media and issues, including crisis communications. Press secretary experience highly desirable. Expert understanding of digital communications. Proven track record managing communications and teams within a global, highly matrixed organisation. Exceptional ability to act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including executive and board‑level stakeholders. #J-18808-Ljbffr Seqirus