Senior Vice President, Media Relations

In the journey of life, your career should make a difference.

At the company, we come together—to do the best work, in the best possible place. We're all in. Because it's everyone's role to make health more human™.

About Us

The company Comms is a global, award-winning health communications agency that partners with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medtech, consumer, and non-profit clients. We deliver insights-driven public relations campaigns, policy programs, and initiatives that advance health and wellbeing around the world.

As a Senior Vice President, Media Relations you will be responsible for the planning and management of strategic media and communications plans and campaigns across the agency, working alongside account leads. You have a proven track record in media relations, strong media contacts and the ability to build strong agency relationships with clients.

This is a remote or hybrid role out of our New York or Philadelphia office reporting to the Chief Media Relations Officer.

You will

Client Partnerships

• Demonstrate a full understanding of the role media plays for all accounts and oversee media strategy recommendations to client and account teams

• Be the strategic counsel lead; handle issues management-related scenario planning for media activities and execution in times of crisis

• Show mastery of all media practices, communicating with all levels of media outlets, including top-tier reporters

• Oversee development and implementation of media portion of communications programs, ensuring best practices and quality of deliverables

• Understand client goals and strategy; offer strategic guidance to multiple clients; attend onsite client meetings and media events solo, accompanies talent to media opportunities with account lead

• Oversee multiple client relationships and provide a high level of service to clients; build relationships with external groups and partners (e.g., advocacy groups, vendors, etc.)

• Handle issues management-related scenario planning for media activities and execution in times of crisis

• Be a facilitator for client workshops and events, including speaker training sessions, multi-stakeholder convening projects, internal messaging workshops, etc.

• Ensure strong agency relationships with reporters

Leadership and Teamwork

• Manage individuals and help guide their professional growth within the organization; initiate/lead the performance review process of junior staff members

• Provide direct and constructive feedback to junior team members, supporting them in developing fundamental skill sets

• Partner with account teams to deliver integrated programming recommendations for clients; models collaborative abilities with staff and encourages regular feedback

• Be a mentor, motivator, and coach

Business Development

• Understand agency operations and procedures; communicate agency services and capabilities and speak to examples with current/potential clients

• Provide strategic insight into new business program development

• Develop and oversee new business plans as they relate to media activities

• Understand costs associated with core media activities and provide thoughtful recommendations to account team as to value

You will bring

• 12+ years' communications agency experience or relevant experience in related field (e.g., marketing, advocacy or health/ science role dealing with public and private sector entities in global and/or domestic health) or relevant expertise in health sector (e.g., global public health organization, pharma, biotech, etc.)

• Experience overseeing multiple significant (e.g., large scope/budget) media programs and complex client engagements while supporting junior staff and account needs across the agency

• 2+ years of experience managing direct reports

• Experience winning new business and organically growing existing accounts

• Verbal and written communication skills both internally and externally

• Presentation skills and the ability to coach other team members to further develop their skills accordingly

The company Comms provides an exciting and flexible work environment, great compensation packages and outstanding company paid benefits including medical, dental, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and flexible time off.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. This range may differ based on your experience and skill set, geographic location, and cost of living considerations. We consider compensation more than just a base salary – that’s why we also offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation

$170,000 — $200,000 USD

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! Our company is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others.