Vice President, Global Corporate Communications

About the position

The VP, Global Corporate Communications will be responsible for overseeing Global Corporate Communications, including strategy, development and execution of proactive communications programs to raise awareness of Ultragenyx, its marketed drugs, its deep and growing pipeline across multiple modalities, therapeutic areas and global geographies. This individual will also be responsible for media and public relations, and alignment with investor relations, corporate strategy, patient advocacy, internal communications, and government affairs, via collaboration with functional stakeholders. They will contribute to company branding, employer branding and messaging strategy and execution as well as designing and coordinating the global digital / social media vision for the company across many channels of activity within the company. This individual will work closely and collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team (XLT).

Responsibilities

• Responsibility for all key global corporate communications functions, including concept development, writing/editing, production, and distribution; as well as management of the internal communications team and external agencies.
• Develop materials for all general communications, reporting and special announcements, including key messages, fact sheets/backgrounders, presentations, conference call scripts, Q&As, press releases and briefing information. Ensures information complies with all product promotion guidelines, SEC regulations and adheres to relevant regulations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive global public relations strategy that aligns with business objectives and enhances our public image and narrative. Provide strategic oversight and integration of OUS activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Lead proactive media outreach to secure press coverage and manage media inquiries.
• Develop and manage digital and social media campaigns for the Company and enhance our digital communications strategy across all web, mobile and social channels to raise awareness of our corporate brand. Ensure consistent, on-brand messaging across all Company platforms.
• Develop and execute a CEO and other XLT visibility strategy that includes securing top-tier events, op-eds, media interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities. Collaborate closely with additional senior executives to shape their messages and communications to raise the company's profile.
• Collaborate across teams, including Commercial, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Patient Advocacy, Regulatory and Legal to develop and implement internal best practices to streamline, optimize and scale with growing external communications needs. Ensure activities across functions are all in-line with corporate goals / narrative.
• Lead the development of proactive and reactive communication strategies for crisis and issues management. Work with internal teams to identify and address potential issues that could impact the company's reputation.

Requirements

• 15 + years in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, rare disease industry a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Direct experience leading Corporate Communications at a public, global biotech company.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and transparency in leading and making decisions that are in the best interest of the Company.
• Proven ability and experience in corporate communications and issues management on a global scale
• Demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of the organization, as well as manage and lead projects involving cross-functional teams and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong managerial, coaching and team-building skills.
• Ability to plan, develop, and implement strategic internal and external communications programs using a variety of mediums.
• Exceptional written, oral, and strategic communication skills, strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and implement strategic work plans and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to distill scientific/medical topics into clear and concise corporate messaging.