Senior Director, Public Affairs & Communications

Job Description

General Summary:

The Senior Director, Public Affairs & Communications is accountable for Vertex’s government affairs and public policy, patient advocacy and engagement, and communications priorities in the community. Additionally, the Senior Director, Public Affairs & Communications is a key member of the Country Leadership Team and contributes to the overall success of the company’s business unit in the assigned country. This role is Vertex’s key relationship builder with policy makers and patient organizations, and is accountable for the development and execution of Vertex’s government relations and advocacy strategy. The incumbent works to support timely access to Vertex’s innovative medicines for patients in the assigned country.

Key Duties And Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes Vertex’s government relations strategy at the provincial level in order to achieve timely access to approved Vertex medicines.
• Meets with government officials (e.g. provincial legislators, ministerial/legislative assistants, and civil servants) to discuss policy and reimbursement topics.
• Assesses the impact of relevant legislation, regulations and public policy on the business and patient access to innovative new medicines.
• Collaborates with industry working groups regarding public policy initiatives related to access to medicines, orphan drugs and rare diseases.
• Builds and maintains relationships with patient organizations on policy issues related to access to medicines and life sciences innovation.
• Collaborates with patient organizations and advocates on issues relating to access to medicines while respecting their independence and autonomy.
• Acts as an ambassador for Vertex’s corporate brand and reputation at community events.
• Develops stakeholder communications strategies.
• Develops country specific communications products such as key messaging and talking points/Q&A to articulate Vertex’s value proposition, importance of timely access to approved medicines, and policy positions for use during interactions with external stakeholders.
• Develops and implements appropriate issues management and crisis communications plans as required.
• As a people manager within the organization, may have financial accountabilities and human resource responsibilities for assigned staff.

Knowledge And Skills:

• Experience working at a senior level in a government relations and/or patient advocacy role with a biotech/pharmaceutical company
• Experience working directly with government stakeholders at both the political and civil service levels.
• Knowledge of the patient advocacy community, and understanding of the patient/caregiver experience in rare diseases is an asset.
• Experience in people management and vendor management.
• Understanding of the legal, regulatory, and compliance environment in which Vertex operates, while being committed to adhere to high ethical standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities, while having the capacity to work effectively with all levels, to communicate complex concepts
• Able and willing to travel frequently across Canada, and must also have the ability to travel internationally including to the United States.

Education And Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, business administration or a related field required
• Typically requires 12 years of experience in a related field and 5 years of supervisory/management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

• In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
• 1.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• 2.    On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com