Director, Brand Communications

Company Information

At Advarra, we are passionate about making a difference in the world of clinical research and advancing human health. With a rich history rooted in ethical review services combined with innovative technology solutions and deep industry expertise, we are at the forefront of industry change. A market leader and pioneer, Advarra breaks the silos that impede clinical research, aligning patients, sites, sponsors, and CROs in a connected ecosystem to accelerate trials. 

Company Culture 

Our employees are the heart of Advarra. They are the key to our success and the driving force behind our mission and vision. Our values (Patient-Centric, Ethical, Quality Focused, Collaborative) guide our actions and decisions. Knowing the impact of our work on trial participants and patients, we act with urgency and purpose to advance clinical research so that people can live happier, healthier lives. 

At Advarra, we seek to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone is treated with respect and diverse perspectives are embraced. Treating one another, our clients, and clinical trial participants with empathy and care are key tenets of our culture at Advarra; we are committed to creating a workplace where each employee is not only valued but empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Job Overview Summary 

The Director of Brand Communications will play a critical role in defining, crafting, and managing the company’s brand strategy and communications efforts. This position requires a leader who can develop a clear, compelling brand narrative and communicate consistently across all touchpoints to support the company’s growth objectives. This includes overseeing corporate communications and brand messaging, graphic design, trade and social media strategy and content development. This role will also support executives in maintaining a strong public presence through content creation, media and event opportunities. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and storyteller, a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and an expert in both traditional and digital marketing channels, with a strong background in B2B environments.

Job Duties & Responsibilities 

Corporate Branding

• Elevate brand identity and awareness by leading development and optimization of brand guidelines to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging, visual identity, and tone across all communication channels. 
• Lead the graphic design team to create visually impactful materials that align with brand strategy. 
• Develop internal awareness and processes to ensure cross-functional teams stay true to the brand's vision across all materials.
• Serve as the internal and external advocate for the brand, ensuring consistency and alignment in every customer interaction. Partner with HR team to help reinforce brand messaging across the organization, ensuring employees and prospective employees understand and embody the brand.
• Lead and execute brand initiatives, including rebranding efforts, product naming, product launches, and market expansions.

Brand Positioning and Content Creation

• Build a compelling brand narrative that effectively communicates our unique differentiation, value, and industry expertise, and aligns with the company's mission, vision, and values.
• Partner with content strategy to reinforce the brand’s voice and thought leadership in the industry, including crafting web copy, blogs, webpages, videos, podcasts, and other forms of content.
• Collaborate with product marketing and subject matter experts to support creation and production of thought-leadership presentations including abstract submissions, poster presentations, webinars and conferences presentations and panels.

Social Media

• Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance brand visibility, engage with key industry audiences, and drive thought leadership across relevant platforms.
• Oversee the social media writer(s) in the creation of compelling, value-driven content for social platforms.
• Optimize social media performance by tracking key metrics and building campaigns to grow relevant presence, engagement, and website traffic.

Public Relations

• Drive positive media coverage in collaboration with PR agency and contractors, including issuing press releases and media campaigns, developing briefing materials, prepping spokespersons, and reviewing and digesting industry media coverage.
• Collaborate on development and implementation of crisis management strategies, coordinating with agency and internal teams to monitor media coverage and develop timely responses across all platforms. 
• Identify and manage award submissions opportunities for the company that highlight innovations and leadership to enhance the company’s reputation and visibility.
• Oversee creation, placement, and strategy for bylines and articles, working with executives and subject matter experts to craft thought leadership content, maintain visibility into editorial calendars, and ensure timely and relevant placement.
• Work with key media partners and make purchasing decisions in support of strategic campaigns.

Executive Visibility & Thought Leadership

• Identify opportunities for executives to represent the company at industry events, conferences, and media interviews, and high-profile networking events. 
• Craft content for executives positions them as thought leaders and reinforce the company's brand. This may involve crafting talking points, preparing executives for interviews, and creating presentations.
• Oversee content creation and production of executive presentations at Advarra hosted events, including user group meetings and summits.

Leadership and Management

• Build and manage a team of social media and design professionals. Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to team members, and ensure they have the tools and resources to execute their work effectively.
• Track the performance of brand campaigns and initiatives. Use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of brand communications and continually refine strategies based on insights.
• Own and manage the brand communications budget.

Location 

This role is open to candidates working remotely in the United States. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in brand communications, public relations, or marketing, with a proven track record of managing brand strategy and messaging across multiple channels at a B2B software and/or services company.
• Experience in leadership roles, managing teams, and working cross-functionally with other departments.
• Strong ability to develop and execute brand communication strategies that align with business goals and objectives, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, internal and external executives, and the media.
• In-depth understanding of brand positioning, storytelling, and messaging, with the ability to maintain brand consistency across all communications platforms.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and content strategies to drive engagement, especially on LinkedIn.
• An ability to think creatively and innovate with fresh approaches to brand communication, keeping the brand relevant and competitive in the market.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• Previous experience within the clinical research or Life Sciences industry preferred.
• Experience in crisis communications, and ensuring clear, effective messaging during sensitive situations.
• Experience working with global brands or managing communications across multiple regions, understanding cultural sensitivities and how to adapt messaging for different markets.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time at stationary workstation
• Regularly carry, raise, and lower objects of up to 10 Lbs. 
• Learn and comprehend basic instructions
• Focus and attention to tasks and responsibilities
• Verbal communication; listening and understanding, responding, and speaking 

Advarra is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability or genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Advarra provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of these protected characteristics. Further, Advarra takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated without regard to any of these protected characteristics in all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and separation from employment.

The base salary range for this role is $​125,400 - $213,300​. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience and may vary from the amounts listed above. This position may also be eligible for a variable bonus in addition to base salary as well as health coverage, paid holidays, and other benefits.