Director of Communications

About the role:

The Director of Communications is responsible for managing the communications and public relations functions of Owkin. It is responsible for the development of effective communication strategies and public relations initiatives to enhance Owkin’s reputation, build brand awareness, and support our business objectives.

This is a management position that requires a highly strategic and creative individual with a proven track record of success in a rapidly scaling technology company and managing a team to help the business scale. This position is crucial to ensuring the company's ongoing commercial success, as it is responsible for its external reputation with customers, investors, policymakers and other crucial stakeholders.

In particular, you will:

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, in order to:

• Oversee the development of a global, strategic, multi-channel communications strategy and the creation and management of a proactive news pipeline
• Answer and prioritise 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 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.

Position is based in our London office or remotely.

About you

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred
• 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, with French or other European languages highly desirable

Please submit your CV in English

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