Senior Director of Product Communications

Position Purpose

The Senior Director of Product Communications will advance business strategy and performance through strategic, integrated communications. This individual will partner closely with Corporate Affairs, Commercial, and other colleagues to drive disease awareness and develop a cohesive and compelling launch communications strategy as Stoke prepares to commercialize its first potential disease-modifying medicine, zorevunersen, for Dravet syndrome. This position reports to and works closely with the Vice President of Corporate Communications and serves as a trusted partner to cross-functional stakeholders and business leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the public narrative around Stoke's lead investigational medicine, zorevunersen
• Leads communications planning for the Phase 3 data presentation and potential FDA approval and launch of zorevunersen
• Drives awareness and understanding of zorevunersen and future potential products among key external stakeholders; builds the Company's external reputation and drives product-related message consistency across the company
• Contributes to the day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning, and consultant/agency relationships
• Serves as a trusted advisor to business leaders, including identifying opportunities and managing high-profile situations
• Partners with Corporate Affairs and with cross-functional stakeholders including Commercial, Medical, Clinical Development/Operations, Regulatory, Legal, Investor Relations, and Patient Advocacy to drive integrated communications strategies and plans to support business objectives, including data communications and launch preparedness
• Engages with our collaborators on ongoing communications opportunities and milestones
• Increases Stoke's and zorevunersen's visibility and reputation through media relations, thought leadership, web content, social media and strategic engagements, with a specific focus on patient storytelling
• Builds and maintains relationships with journalists and influencers, pitching story ideas, managing inbound inquiries and serving as a spokesperson
• Prepares Stoke executives for external speaking engagements and media interviews
• Develops product communications materials including press releases, media materials, Q&A, slide decks, talking points, website content and videos
• Supports content development and strategy for corporate digital and social channels to ensure content is compelling, timely, accurate and effective from a technology and engagement standpoint
• Supports the adaptation of corporate materials for use with other audiences including advocates, patients/caregivers, employees, clinicians, elected officials and others to ensure consistency in message
• Supports crisis communications and rapid response to emerging media inquiries and product issues, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, patient-centric and strategic communication
• Analyzes and reports on learnings from communications/PR efforts and media coverage to drive effectiveness and continuous improvement
• Studies and evaluates industry trends and peer activities to identify opportunities for Stoke to engage and improve, using experience and external benchmarks to make the case
• Helps establish and codify best practices, policies and processes to meet the needs of the department and company

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years of experience in public relations or communications in pharma/biotech, including product and launch communications
• Proven success within and deep knowledge of pharma/biotech industry and regulatory environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Experienced in managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Established relationships with relevant media contacts as demonstrated through a track record of successful media relations and communications campaigns
• Strong cross-functional partner and team player; able to influence at all levels and advocate for strategy, works collaboratively with colleagues and other stakeholders; actively solicits input and feedback; flexible and responsive
• Strategic thinker and problem-solver who is willing and able to implement tactically; is intellectually curious and perceptive
• Expertise in social media strategy and content development preferred
• Experience within publicly traded companies preferred
• Works well under pressure; has excellent time- and project-management skills and deep experience leading complex, time-critical projects; can manage multiple projects and thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Can confidently and effectively advise and influence senior leaders
• Demonstrates exceptional storytelling skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity with sound judgment
• Holds self and others to a high standard of ethics and integrity. Maintains confidentiality, exercises good judgment and discretion