Communications Associate Director

Job Description

The Corporate Communications Associate Director role will report to the Communications Senior Director for the NECAD (Northern Europe, Canada Australia & New Zealand and Distributor Markets) Region.  The role will be responsible for driving and implementing communications strategies and tactics for Vertex at a corporate level as well as for our product portfolio (cystic fibrosis, haematology & pain) in Canada.

Based in Toronto, the role will involve developing and driving communications strategies to build and protect our corporate reputation in a targeted manner and strategically supporting Vertex’s presence in Canada. This role will work closely with the cross-functional and leadership teams in Canada, the global Communications team in Boston and London and the NECAD Region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communications strategies and tactics to raise awareness of Vertex’s corporate profile, it’s medicines and therapy areas in alignment with the with the global communications priorities and the NECAD Region’s business goals
• Work closely with the cross-functional team in Canada to lead on external communication opportunities, spokespersons preparations, and media interviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment in strategic priorities and messaging across different stakeholder groups including patient organizations, payor and policy audiences
• In alignment with global teams develop/execute a local social & digital (web) media strategies where appropriate
• Anticipate, prepare and execute potential issues mitigation and management in line with global messaging
• Drive press office/media relations activities in Canada
• Organise media events and editorial visits, prepare press materials including releases, Q&A documents, backgrounders, briefing materials, etc
• Oversee media monitoring and reporting process in Canada
• Lead on the capture and reporting of relevant media insights, acting as a link between the local news agenda and the cross functional teams
• Manage and track the budget of local communications agencies
• Sit on the Leadership Team for Canada

Key Requirements:

• Good understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech business model and the process of getting a prescription medicine to patients e.g. collaboration with key local stakeholders to ensure alignment of content with business objectives and regulatory/reimbursement guidelines
• Strong track record of delivering media and digital communications strategies in alignment with global/regional colleagues that engages and informs stakeholders at a country level
• Ability to deliver results with limited direction and guidance and on tight deadlines; a self-starter; curious with learning agility; ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment with multiple, competing priorities
• Broad experience in issues mitigation and management within media environment
• Experience managing multiple projects (timelines, budgets, priorities) simultaneously; flexibility and results-oriented focus
• Broad internal influencing skills, able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, work across a matrix environment and drive alignment towards project goals
• Ability to interact with senior management and high-profile experts appropriately, with confidence and ease
• Strong understanding of media landscape across Canada and history of achieving strong media results
• Established media contacts would be advantageous
• Working knowledge of rare diseases
• Demonstrated knowledge of compliance regulations and principles specific to communications for a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Good collaboration, negotiation and influencing skills; strong interpersonal skills; a team player
• Excellent strategic thinker with ability to formulate, develop and execute on agreed strategies
• Operationally excellent and resilient in the context of a rapidly changing environment
• At least a BA degree in communications, liberal arts, business or science-oriented field with proven relevant experience, which includes solid healthcare public relations experience
• PR agency experience or in-house at another pharmaceutical/biotech company.

Disclosure Statement:

This position is exempt from the compensation disclosure requirements under applicable law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, retirement and so much more.

This recruitment process may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in screening and assessing applications. AI may be used at various stages to support decision-making, including reviewing resumes and evaluating qualifications. If you have any questions about how AI is used in this process, please contact ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

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.

#LI-Hybrid

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