Description

Job Title:

Executive Director, Corporate Communications

Location:

San Diego, CA / Hybrid

Position type:

FLSA:

Full time

Exempt

Department:

Finance ID:

Corporate Communications

6801-F10962-BF

Strive to Bring a Profound Difference to our Patients

At Avidity Biosciences, we are passionate about the impact of every employee in realizing our vision of improving people’s lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics. Avidity is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary AOCs, which are designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. If you are a committed, solution-oriented thinker, join us in making a difference and become part of our growing culture that is integrated, collaborative, agile and focused on the needs of patients. 

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.'s mission is to profoundly improve people's lives by delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics - Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™). Utilizing its proprietary AOC platform, Avidity demonstrated the first-ever successful targeted delivery of RNA into muscle and is leading the field with clinical development programs for three rare muscle diseases: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Avidity is broadening the reach of AOCs with its advancing and expanding pipeline, including programs in cardiology and immunology through internal discovery efforts and key partnerships. Avidity is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information about our AOC platform, clinical development pipeline, and people, please visit www.aviditybiosciences.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director, Corporate Communications will report to the Chief Program Officer on an interim basis, eventually reporting to the SVP of Corporate Affairs. You will play a key role in planning and initiating internal, external and brand communications programs to engage global and expanding internal teams, along with media and community partners. This role is highly visible and includes extensive interaction with the executive team, as well as other functions at Avidity including patient advocacy, clinical development, commercial, medical affairs, and finance.

What You Will Contribute

Direct all internal communication programs, including intranet, updates and other messages from the executive team, planning for company meetings, and other staff communication initiatives. Interact with the media as one of the main voices communicating the company mission, vision, values and news. Create and preside over both media and digital media programs that communicate the company’s strategic imperatives while maintaining compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory restrictions. Work with the commercial and medical teams to provide perspectives on corporate communications goals and opportunities in planning for commercial launches. Help us stay ahead of emerging trends in communications including media, digital media, social media, website functionality and other areas. In collaboration with senior stakeholders, develop key communication materials including press releases, messaging, Q&A documents and other corporate communications resources. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop high-profile thought partnership opportunities and communication programs for executives/functions.Own coordination with internal teams and external services on special projects, initiatives and events that are aligned with Avidity values and corporate priorities. Be a steward of the Avidity brand, helping define and then adhere to guidelines related to logo ad design, in addition to messaging and communications. Help plan and deliver company strategies and opportunities in philanthropy and community relations. Be an engaged team player, including potential for oversight of a direct report as well as a lot of interaction with the investor relations team. Also includes directing outside agency resources and headcount planning for anticipated growth. Based on location, travel will be required, including international (potentially 20-30%). Be prepared to expand your role and scope to address additional needs in corporate communications as they develop.

What We Seek

Applicants must have demonstrated experience that indicates the aptitude to perform all the functions in this role successfully. The preferred requirements listed below are representative of the skills, knowledge, and proven attributes required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable parties with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

     Minimum bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or a related field.     At least 16 years’ previous experience in a communications or related role. Experience in healthcare, biotech or drug development is preferred, especially product launch experience in rare diseases.       Experience planning, launching, spearheading and measuring global internal and external communication programs.         Experience with media relations, overseeing outside agencies to enhance productivity and ROI, and overseeing corporate web site and intranet.         Experience overcoming intricate/scientific subject matter and communicate to a variety of stakeholder audiences.

 

Additional Attributes

          Exceptional communication acumen, both verbal and written.           Compassion, empathy and service mindset to help improve the lives of rare and underserved patient communities.           A propensity for effective and impactful communications and guiding an organization focused on helping patients in need.           Strong knowledge of capital markets and related constituents.           Devotion to quality and attention to detail.           Attentiveness and the willingness to multi-task while balancing multiple deliverables/deadlines.           Proven collaborator driven to work effectively across functions and levels.           Proactive self-starter able to adapt to change and varying priorities.What We will Provide to You:         The base salary range for this role is $261,250 - $288,750. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.         Avidity offers competitive compensation and benefits which includes the opportunity for annual and spot bonuses, stock options and RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, and LTD, and four weeks of time off.         A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Avidity employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

Avidity Biosciences

10578 Science Center Dr. Suite 125

San Diego, CA

92121

O: 858-401-7900

F: 858-401-7901

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