Senior Director, Communications

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join the Communications and Public Affairs team to lead the development and execution of communications and brand strategies for a set of companies within Flagship Pioneering’s portfolio. The successful candidate will be a seasoned biotech corporate communications leader who is able to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the growth trajectory for breakthrough life sciences and technology companies in the human health, agriculture, and AI sectors.

This full-time position reports to the Vice President of Communications and requires in-office presence 4 days per week in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities include:

• Counsel to Flagship’s company founders and early company leadership, providing strategic guidance to emergent Flagship companies (Flagship NewCos) as they develop brand, voice, foundational messaging and overall communication strategies. 
• Lead brand development/visual identity and website design and development for NewCos, working with and overseeing outside agencies.
• Design and execute bespoke, integrated communications strategies for company launches, including all written materials, media engagement, and all social media elements. Identify and oversee PR agency support, as needed.
• Design and lead execution of communications strategies for both NewCos and a set of more mature companies (Flagship GrowthCos), including milestone announcements, internal comms, social and digital media, speaking opportunities, and issues management, partnering closely with company leadership.

Other

• Work collaboratively with other Communications & Public Affairs team members.
• Participate in weekly Communications & Public Affairs team meetings and collaborate with team members as needed to support broader team priorities that span events, government relations, digital, internal communications, and media relations.
• Manage external resources such as design and agency partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree in a related life sciences field is preferred.
• Extensive leadership-level experience in a public relations agency or corporate communications environment. Experience in pharma and/or biotech, as well as some experience with/exposure to financial and transaction communications. 
• Experience working within and across multiple highly complex organizations, while understanding and addressing the needs of both.  
• Exceptional research, writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven media relations track record, as well as the ability to see industry trends and craft insights into effective media relations pitches. Knowledge of and existing relationships with media outside the sphere of traditional media outlets.
• Strong diplomatic and persuasive skills.
• High degree of professional versatility and hands-on capability with a willingness to meet challenges head-on.
• Experience leading in a complex environment that requires skillful engagement of multiple stakeholders and successful, resourceful, and creative navigation of ambiguity.
• Must have the proven ability to advise senior leaders effectively.
• Must have superior interpersonal and organizational skills, along with a demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically and consistently exercise sound judgment. 
• Proven track record of coordinating multiple programs simultaneously, moving projects forward, and developing and implementing creative, solution-oriented strategies while anticipating future demands and opportunities.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• An aptitude for translating complex science into accessible and compelling narratives
• Experience building and leading effective communications campaigns for companies operating at the intersection of technology and science
• Creative mindset with a passion for innovative and impactful communications strategies
• A team player mentality and approach

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The salary range for this role is $204,000 - $280,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Flagship Pioneering currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Flagship Pioneering's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.