Vice President, Media Relations

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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 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 SVP Media Relations.

You will

Client Partnerships

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

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

• Serves as strategic counsel lead; handles issues management-related scenario planning for media activities and execution in times of crisis

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

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

• Understands client goals and strategy; offers strategic guidance to multiple clients; attends onsite client meetings and media events solo, accompanies talent to media opportunities with account lead

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

• Shows mastery of media training, working with C-suite level internal and external spokespeople

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

• Shows creativity in overseeing the development and implementation of solutions to client issues

• Serves as facilitator for client workshops and events, including speaker training sessions, multi-stakeholder convening initiatives, internal messaging workshops, etc.

• Takes an active role in developing staffing plans for core businesses

Leadership and Teamwork

• Fosters strong agency relationships by building trust and acting as a valuable resource

• Effectively manages individuals and helps guide their professional growth within the organization; initiates/leads the performance review process of junior staff member on a timely basis

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

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

• Demonstrates strong strategic leadership skills; guides strategy for assigned business and teaches others

• Supervises staff by mentoring, motivating and coaching

• Seeks out and leads webinars and lunch and learns, staying current on new trends and techniques that have relevance to work, and sharing with other staff

• Role models company values and inspires an inclusive culture

Effective Communication

• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills both internally and externally, demonstrating the highest standards of performance in all communications

• Ensures strong agency relationships with reporters; demonstrates ability to drive multiple accounts forward

• Hones presentation skills and can effectively coach other team members to further develop their skills accordingly

• Proactively drives agency recommendations and idea generation

• Oversees process of determining solutions to problems, initiating brainstorms and assigning tasks for internal colleagues based on areas of expertise

Business Development

• Understands agency operations, policies, and procedures; communicates agency services and capabilities and speaks to examples proactively with current/potential clients

• Provides strategic insight into new business program development; takes a leadership role in new business proposal development and attends pitches as media representative

• Develops and oversees new business plans as they relate to media activities

• Understands costs associated with core media activities and provides thoughtful recommendations to account team as to value

You will bring

• 10+ 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.)

• Proven 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

• Track record of winning new business and organically growing existing accounts

• Superb internal and external communications skills (verbal, written, listening)

• An entrepreneurial spirit

• A strong attention to detail with mastered ability to manage multiple priorities

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

$130,000 — $165,000 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.