Vice President of Communications

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease and translating discoveries into innovative treatments to improve health. The Institute’s track record of pioneering research spans more than 40 years and has produced breakthrough discoveries in cancer, neuroscience, immunology and childhood diseases. The expertise of Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty and leaders in both biological sciences and drug discovery is supported by a strong culture of collaboration and a network of academic, industry, and clinical collaborations that extend worldwide. The Institute is also committed to educating and empowering the next generation of scientific leaders through its accredited Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, thus ensuring that Sanford Burnham Prebys’ legacy of impactful research continues.

Summary:

The Vice President of Communications (VP) has the overall responsibility for all aspects of internal and external communications. The VP serves as a strategic counsel to senior leaders in matters relating to public relations and communications. The VP is instrumental in raising awareness, shaping the reputation, and advancing the brand of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.

The VP of Communications leverages knowledge of both the communications discipline and the life sciences industry to ensure the Institute has a proactive external communications approach, positively influencing perceptions among key audiences. The VP implements a strategic communications plan that advances and promotes the Institute’s brand identity, broadens awareness of its programs, communicates scientific advances, and clearly articulates the vision to donors and partners.

The Vice President of Communications has a collaborative style of working effectively across the Institute and is visible in the communities in which the Institute operates. The VP oversees and provides hands-on leadership to the communications department. This will include direction of staff; overseeing media relations, communications, website and digital media, and performing other management and leadership responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creates a strategic communications plan to advance the Institute’s brand identity and broaden awareness of Sanford Burnham Prebys
• Develops, integrates, and implements PR activities designed to enhance the brand
• Works with the President/CEO to achieve Institute goals and objectives through development of communications and public relations initiative. This will include articulating the vision of the Institute to donors and partners while telling the compelling stories that define who we are and what we are about
• Partners with scientists and researchers on recommendations, strategies, and methods to clearly articulate and present the advances and discoveries available for exploration with potential industry partners
• Oversees the activities of the communications department, including setting the strategic direction of the department and motivating, coaching, and developing staff
• Serves as a trusted advisor and partner to the senior leaders, functioning as the expert on communications issues in the context of the current political, business, and media environments, and perceptions of the industry
• Advises senior leaders about the public relations implications of potential decisions and activities
• Prepares for crisis communication and implementation of department measures to anticipate and mitigate issues that may potentially result in a negative impact for the Institute
• Oversees the media relations and public relations strategy of the Institute
• Cultivate and maintain strong media relationships and outlets for furthering the Sanford Burnham Prebys brand and touting the stories
• Implements an internal communications strategy that informs faculty, department heads, and staff of the Institute’s activities, initiatives, recognition, goals and objectives
• Executes on a varied and integrated digital communications strategy, identifying best practices for use of the internet, intranet, video, social media, and other forms of digital mechanisms to relay the compelling stories, successes, and Institute mission, vision, and objectives
• Engages in outreach efforts with community groups and leaders; mobilize local leaders to support Sanford Burnham Prebys objectives
• Liaises to industry, business organizations and other institutes, building strong alliances and relationships
• Creates outreach opportunities by ensuring Sanford Burnham Prebys is represented at tradeshows, speaking engagements, and industry conferences in San Diego and at the national level
• In collaboration and coordination with other Institute departments, experts and agencies, oversees Institute branding strategies (internal and external), which includes ensuring a consistent branding “look and feel” to all internal and external materials, as well as online identity
• Fosters work with cross-functional teams (e.g. Business Development, Philanthropy, and Human Resources) to integrate marketing and communication efforts across the Institute; assists relevant teams in the development and writing of key materials, such as philanthropic proposals

Education and/or Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years’ demonstrated senior leadership experience in local and/or national media and digital outlets, public relations, and/or communications or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been attained
• Advanced degree is preferred
• Previous experience in an academic medical center, university, or research institution and/or the life-sciences industry is highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Possess internal drive, a passion for the mission, and the vision to succinctly and clearly articulate the story of Sanford Burnham Prebys to donors and partners
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Highly developed public speaking and presentation skills are required
• Advanced level of interpersonal skills are necessary to build trust and respect with a broad range of constituents, including executive leaders, faculty, board members, donors, and internal customers from other departments
• Successful career record and relevant experience in roles of increasing responsibility in leading, motivating, and evaluating a team of professionals
• Demonstrated track-record of effectively using communication outlets, including social media technology to increase the visibility, stature, and brand of the Institute
• Demonstrated record of collaborating with senior leaders in planning, strategizing, and implementing a strategic communications philosophy and plan that relays the initiatives and goals of the Institute locally, nationally, and globally
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is Required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Yes, this position oversees other individuals

Compensation:

The anticipated salary for this range will be $216,890 - $288,535 year commensurate with experience.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals.