Partner 36, Communications Partner, Bio

a16z•San Francisco, CA

1d•$309,000 - $360,000•Onsite

About The Position

The a16z Bio + Health Fund is seeking a Communications Partner to join their team. This individual will play a pivotal role in amplifying the stories of their portfolio companies and shaping narratives around late-stage technology and its impact on the world. They will build and execute creative, forward-looking campaigns that leverage earned media (traditional media, podcasts, newsletters and more) in addition to partnering with the broader marketing team to execute across content, social, and events. This role offers the opportunity to work with a world-class internal team while also helping to coach and execute companies redefining the frontiers of medicine and healthcare. This role will be located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate, executive, product, or crisis communications, with meaningful experience in biotech, pharma, or healthcare
Deep, genuine familiarity with the bio and healthcare landscape: understanding the players, the narratives, the media, and the market dynamics that define this space, including the rhythms of clinical and regulatory milestones
In-house and agency experience required
Creative thinker who is able to grow influence and networks in novel ways
Strong biotech, healthcare and national media relationships required. Experience leading and/or executing PR campaigns for high growth companies
Proven experience navigating crisis situations and advising companies on complex, high-stakes communications
Exceptional writer with the ability to translate complex technical concepts (clinical data, regulatory, etc) into clear, compelling narratives for a diverse range of audiences
Ability to define a communications and media strategy and drive it through execution
Proven track record of crafting high-quality brand-building initiatives from scratch
Ability to lead cross-functional teams from idea through execution, and to persuade, influence, and build trust at the executive level
Strong partnership skills, building trusted connections within the firm, within our portfolio, and with the industries in which we operate
Self-starter who is resilient through change, with strong ability to context-shift, learn, and drive meaningful results
Direct experience with entrepreneurs and deep respect for their journey. Eager to coach and support founders at all stages with compassion and expertise
Low ego, high empathy, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse teams

Responsibilities

Partner directly with General Partners and investment team to define strategy and execute communications plans that drive their brand platforms forward while winning the attention and respect of leading founders and executives
Be a trusted advisor for dozens of portfolio companies, acting as the expert coach for brand marketing, media strategy, crisis management, internal communications, and more
Develop and execute high-impact, creative communications campaigns across earned media, including top-tier press, trade publications, podcasts, and newsletters that matter to the bio and health ecosystem
Maintain productive and positive relationships with media, content creators, and industry influencers to establish trust, surface key industry-shifting narratives and support portfolio companies
Proactively build strong industry networks and secure high quality brand-building opportunities for partners to write, speak, and lead key conversations
Collaborate with the New Media team on broader brand strategy and initiatives, including media and marketing network dinners, portfolio workshops, and events