Director of Communications

Summary

Join Owkin, an AI biotechnology company, as their Director of Communications! You will manage all communications and public relations, developing strategic communication plans and overseeing a team. This crucial role involves managing media relations, social media, and crisis communications to enhance Owkin's reputation globally. You'll work with various stakeholders, including investors and media, to build and maintain relationships. The position requires strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, with significant experience in the technology sector. Owkin offers a flexible work environment and the opportunity to work with an international team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to effectively manage a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Significant experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with a proven track record of success in technology sector (preferably in AI, biotechnology or life sciences)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis communication
• Experience managing social media channels and developing social media strategies
• Knowledge of media relations and experience working with journalists, ideally across US, UK and European regions
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• English is essential

Responsibilities

• Manage the communications and public relations functions of the company, including managing one direct report, managing the work of external agencies and managing the work of a transversal team of marketing and communications specialists
• Oversee the development of a global, strategic, multi-channel communications strategy and the creation and management of a proactive news pipeline
• Answer and prioritize inbound media requests
• Oversee the development of all communication materials, including press releases, media kits, social media content, and other collateral
• Drive visibility of Owkin and key executives like CEO, Chief Medical Officer and Chief R&D Officer by securing top-quality speaking and profile-building opportunities
• Create and maintain press kit, messaging framework and talking points
• Apply for awards and rankings/lists and maintain a database of awards/rankings and apply on an ongoing basis
• Help apply for speaking engagements
• Work with the marketing team to amplify PR activity via other channels such as social media and website
• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans and protocols to ensure the company is prepared to effectively respond to any potential reputational risk
• Be responsible for the company’s reputation globally
• Influence the company’s strategic direction so that it considers its external reputation in all its dealings
• Represent Owkin as a spokesperson
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, biopharma, research partners, academic institutions and industry influencers
• Manage and mentor a transversal team of designers, copywriters and social media experts to communicate via the company's social media channels, ensuring that messaging is consistent, on-brand, and engages target audiences
• Manage the company's public relations efforts, including media outreach and relationship building with key journalists - especially US mainstream media, pharma media and other specialist industry press
• Monitor industry trends and developments to identify opportunities to enhance the company's brand and reputation

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred
• French or other European languages highly desirable

Benefits

• Flexible work organization
• Friendly and informal working environment
• Opportunity to work with an international team with high technical and scientific backgrounds