VP, Head of Communications

Job Summary (Primary function)

The Vice President, Head of Communications will act as a leader, strategist, architect, and communications steward for Incyte. The individual will be responsible for leading internal and external communications and will be responsible for co-leading the regional public affairs and patient advocacy teams.

Essential Functions of the Job (Key responsibilities)

• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
• Responsible for all internal communications including the intranet site, Video wall, Town Hall meeting preparation and agenda, Blog for ET members.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding special events, public announcements, and other projects.
• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
• Act as point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
• Oversee development of all Incyte's print communications including Incyte's website and news media; manage relationships with associated vendors.
• Responsible for direct communications support for Incyte's CEO; managing ongoing internal and external communications activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow Incyte's leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization.
• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance Incyte's brand identity; broaden awareness of its priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Shape and drive communications opportunities and synergies across thought leadership strategies for the Company's leadership team.

Qualifications (Minimal acceptable level of education, work experience, and competency)

• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized.
• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing strategy/program to advance business goals.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with leaders at all levels up through the executive leadership level.
• Extensive experience in a senior management role within or working with the pharmaceutical or biotech industry is preferred.
• A degree in Journalism, Public Affairs, Communications, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent experience will also be considered.