What if…you could join an organization that creates, resources, and builds life science bioplatform companies that invent breakthrough technologies to transform human health and sustainability?

Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally 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.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join the Communications and Public Affairs team to serve as Director with responsibility for leading the development and execution of communications and brand strategies for a set of companies within Flagship Pioneering's Pioneering Business Units (PBUs). The successful candidate will be a seasoned communications leader able to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment, and flexible with strong multi-tasking skills to manage competing priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the growth trajectory for breakthrough life sciences companies in the human health and sustainability/agriculture sectors.

Pioneering Business Units (PBUs) are a core tenet of Flagship's operating structure, combining origination and scientific expertise with dedicated functional expertise to drive company creation. Each PBU has a portfolio of companies at various stages of maturity that the Communications Directors would guide.

PBUs are guided by cross-functional leadership teams to support strategic choices and company-building investments along individual company journeys as well as across the PBU's full portfolio. PBU leadership teams consist of the PBU leader and an PBU operations and planning management leader together with designated single points of contact from our functions including HR/Talent, Legal/IP, Finance, IT, Communications and Public Affairs, Business Development, Financing, and Value.

This position is full-time and reports to the Vice President of Corporate Communications & Social Impact. Ideal location is in Cambridge, MA, other locations will be considered.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as an advisor and counselor to origination partners (company founders) and early company leadership, providing strategic guidance to emergent Flagship companies (Flagship NewCos) as they develop brand, voice, and overall communication strategies.
• Serve as lead for launching companies from stealth, including brand development/visual identity, and website design and development, working with and overseeing outside agencies.
• Develop and execute 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.
• Once companies emerge from stealth, this role will serve as the communications lead for each company, providing guidance and execution support on announcements (e.g., talent, board, partners, fundraise), as well as for internal comms, executive thought leadership, social media engagement, website updates, recruitment marketing, events, and issues management.
• As companies mature to Flagship "GrowthCos," often beyond a Series B or C raise, manage recruiting, hiring decisions, and onboarding for dedicated company Communications Leads and/or staff.
• Help to onboard new communications leaders/team members as companies grow and mature, continuing to be a liaison between each company and Flagship.

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 both PBU work and corporate communications activity including events, government relations, digital, internal communications, and media relations

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, journalism, English, or a related discipline with extensive leadership-level experience in a public relations agency or corporate communications environment. Experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry 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 is critical.
• 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.
• 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.