Senior Vice President, Scientific Communications

FleishmanHillard•New York, NY

4h•$123,000 - $225,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FleishmanHillard is seeking an experienced, senior Scientific Communications Specialist to be part of FleishmanHillard’s energetic and high-growth Health & Life Science Sector. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior counsel to an exciting portfolio of science-focused companies across multiple therapeutic areas while creating and nurturing a community of experts across the agency. In this strategic role, you will serve as a thought leader and quality champion, translating complex clinical data and regulatory information into compelling, scientifically accurate narratives for diverse audiences. You will guide cross-functional teams, set editorial standards, and ensure that all scientific communications reflect the highest standards of rigor and credibility.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience in scientific or medical communications, preferably in an agency setting
Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, MS) in a scientific, medical, or life sciences discipline, or equivalent professional experience in clinical or scientific research
Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and communicating clinical trial data, regulatory information, and scientific evidence
Proven ability to write and edit complex scientific materials for peer-reviewed journals, regulatory submissions, and lay audiences
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple high-priority deliverables simultaneously
Excellent mentoring and leadership abilities
Superior written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in pharmaceutical communications, biotech communications, or medical writing at a communications agency
Background in one or more of the following therapeutic areas: oncology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, or immunology
Experience with regulatory communications and understanding of FDA guidance
Track record of establishing new capabilities or functions within an organization
Experience managing cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
Published or presented work in scientific or professional settings

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead scientific communications strategist for key pharma and biotech clients, providing strategic counsel on how to frame and communicate complex data to diverse audiences (HCPs, patients, regulators, media, investors)
Set and maintain standards for scientific interpretation, narrative framing, and editorial excellence across deliverables
Develop frameworks for translating dense clinical evidence into clear, credible narratives tailored to specific audiences — balancing scientific rigor with accessibility
Guide internal teams and external partners on interpreting complex scientific concepts, clinical trial design, regulatory pathways, and messaging strategy
Lead strategy and attend major congresses and milestones to support clients as needed
Lead development of high-visibility scientific materials, including data press releases, regulatory milestone communications, thought leadership pieces, and clinical summaries
Direct the creation of diverse content formats including, but not limited to white papers, op-eds, bylines, abstracts, posters, peer-reviewed manuscripts, patient communications, social media content, and web copy
Ensure scientific accuracy and editorial consistency across all deliverables prior to client delivery
Develop deep domain knowledge across assigned therapeutic areas, with particular strength in oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience
Support R&D and pipeline-stage communications, translating preclinical and clinical trial data for external audiences
Build and maintain expertise in regulatory pathways and their implications for communications strategy
Establish and maintain editorial guidelines that elevate the quality and consistency of all scientific communications
Mentor and develop junior team members, including writers, editors, and coordinators
Review and edit deliverables for scientific accuracy, regulatory compliance, and narrative impact
Lead efforts to streamline the editorial review process and reduce cycle time
Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to pharma and biotech clients
Present scientific communications recommendations and best practices to senior client stakeholders
Strengthen client relationships through superior scientific interpretation and editorial quality