Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications

San Francisco, California, United States

Vir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the immune system to transform lives by discovering and developing medicines for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Its clinical-stage portfolio includes infectious disease programs for chronic hepatitis delta and chronic hepatitis B infections and multiple dual-masked T-cell engagers across validated targets in solid tumor indications. Vir Biotechnology also has a preclinical portfolio of programs across a range of infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.

We believe the success of our colleagues drives the success of our mission. We are committed to creating a company where everyone feels supported and encouraged to give their best.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Vir Biotechnology is looking for a Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications reporting to the CEO and acting as their strategic business partner. This pivotal role involves leading all aspects of corporate communications, branding, external and internal communications, public relations, and patient advocacy efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications program, including shaping our company’s narrative and drafting an engagement strategy. By gaining an in-depth understanding of our business, this individual will provide guidance to executive leaders, addressing their communication needs and create a long-term strategic corporate communications plan.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise and connections in both traditional and digital media, coupled with substantial experience in internal communications.  You should demonstrate a strong grasp of business strategies and executive priorities, exhibit critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and be highly curious and collaborative. Adaptable to change and ambiguity, this professional will understand the big picture, connect the dots, and help leaders communicate their strategic priorities both externally and internally.

This role is based in San Francisco and requires 4 days a week onsite.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communications roadmap that seamlessly aligns with Vir Biotechnology’s business objectives and propels our positioning as a global biotech leader.
  • Serve as the primary strategic business partner to the CEO on all corporate communications matters, providing expert guidance and support to align communication strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Drive long-term strategic initiatives that support the company's vision and goals.
  • Design and implement internal communication strategies that enhance employee engagement and alignment, particularly during periods of transformation.
  • Collaborate with HR to integrate communication strategies with change management initiatives, ensuring a unified message throughout the organization.
  • Partner with Finance and Investor Relations to lead preparations for earnings calls with a focus on messaging, press release and website updates.
  • Establish a strong and compelling executive/c-suite voice to represent Vir Biotechnology both internally and externally.
  • Prepare company spokespeople for media interviews and other engagements, including training spokespeople, as needed, and ensuring that company’s most frequent spokespeople are prepared to address key issues as they emerge.
  • Craft high-impact communication materials and foster relationships with top-tier media and journalists to elevate the company’s profile.
  • Develop and lead initiatives to promote and safeguard Vir Biotechnology’s brand and reputation, managing media relations and acting as the company spokesperson.
  • Build and enhance relationships with external media outlets including news, business,
    and industry trade publications, with both traditional and digital media; garner local, regional and national coverage to meet objectives.
  • Oversee the development of all public relations materials, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Recommend external opportunities, including media interviews, speaking engagements at industry conferences, and other forums to showcase thought leadership.
  • Define and manage the strategy, planning, and implementation of a robust social media presence.
  • Be the strategic hub for well-coordinated and organized communications across multiple internal groups. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to ensure alignment and visibility of communications initiatives across functions
  • Lead, inspire, develop and manage a Corporate Communications Team, including contractors, to deliver on goals and business results.
  • Develop crisis communication protocols and strategies to proactively address potential reputational risks and effectively manage crises if they arise.

WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BRING

  • 18+ years of proven experience in leadership roles within corporate communications and public relations, with a minimum of 10 years in biotech/pharmaceuticals.
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience crafting and executing successful traditional media, social media, and internal communications strategies.
  • Recognized as an inspirational and trusted advisor with a proven track record in crafting, executing, and steering top-tier corporate communication strategies and initiatives that yield tangible, measurable outcomes.
  • Experience working with high performing teams and demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead, facilitate, influence, and organize across groups and at multiple levels of an organization
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Understanding of SEC and FDA regulations impacting communications
  • Experience in crisis communication and issues management
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media, stakeholders, and key industry influencers, including existing relationships with top-tier media and journalists
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and mentor a team.
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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE OFFER

The expected salary range for this position is $325,000 to $375,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors.

Vir Biotechnology's compensation and benefits are aligned with the current market and commensurate with the person’s experience and qualifications. All full-time employees receive a package that includes compensation, bonus and equity as well as many other Vir Biotechnology benefits and perks such as health and welfare benefit plans, non-accrual paid time off, company shut down for holidays, commuter benefits, childcare reimbursement, education reimbursement, 401K match and lunch each day in the office.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.  We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

All employment decisions at Vir Biotechnology are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory business requirements, job duties and individual qualifications. Employment decisions are made without regard to any legally protected characteristics. 

This commitment extends to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, compensation, appraisal systems, promotions, training and career development programs.  Vir Biotechnology also strongly commits to providing employees with a work environment free of unlawful conduct or harassment.

Vir Biotechnology Human Resources leads recruitment and employment for Vir Biotechnology. Unsolicited resumes sent to the company from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and Vir Biotechnology and do not obligate us to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring manager or employees.

For hires based in the United States, Vir Biotechnology, participates in E-Verify.

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