Corporate Communications Associate Director, GCC

at  Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job Description
The Corporate Communications Associate Director role will report to the Communications Director, Region CEEM (Central & Eastern Europe and Middle East). The role will be responsible for driving and implementing communications strategies and tactics for our recently approved gene therapy and future products in designated countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Based in Riyadh, the role will involve communicating our corporate profile in a targeted manner and strategically supporting Vertex presence in the Region. This role will work closely with the cross-functional teams in the International Headquarters at London and CEEM headquarters in Munich.
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Develop and implement communications strategies and tactics to raise awareness of Vertex corporate profile and its mission in alignment with the International Communications and Region CEEM cross-functional teams

• Drive strong media relations
• Organise media events and editorial visits, prepare press materials including releases, Q&A documents, backgrounders, briefing materials, etc.
• Work closely with the cross-functional leads in the GCC region to lead on external communication opportunities, spokespersons preparations, and media interviews
• In alignment with global and international teams develop/execute a local social media strategy where appropriate
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure alignment in strategic priorities and messaging across different stakeholder groups including patient organizations, payor and policy audiences
• Anticipate, prepare and execute potential issues mitigation and management in line with international messaging
• Oversee media monitoring and reporting process
• Lead on the capture and reporting of relevant media insights, acting as a link between the local news agenda and the cross functional teams
• Building on international programs¸ tailor and support internal communications initiatives to enhance employee engagement and information flow, and ensure vision, goals and expectations are understood
• Manage and track the budget of local communications agencies

Key Requirements:

• Good understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech business model, in particular in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GCC area e.g. collaboration with key local stakeholders to ensure alignment of content with business objectives and regulatory guidelines
• Strong track record of delivering digital communications in alignment with global colleagues that engages and informs stakeholders
• 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
• Experience managing multiple projects (timelines, budgets, priorities) simultaneously; flexibility and results-oriented focus are essential
• Broad internal influencing skills, able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams 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 the GCC, in particular the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and history of achieving strong media results
• Established media contacts would be advantageous
• Working knowledge of rare diseases including cell and gene therapy
• 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 required
• Fluency in Arabic and English written and spoken
• Strong cultural awareness and the ability to effectively influence business strategies
• Saudi citizenship

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.
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.co

Please refer the Job description for details