Head of Communications, US

This is what you will do

Chiesi has a powerful story to tell in the United States. The Head of Communications, US, will be the expert leader who brings that story to life among US internal and external audiences. Serving as a senior communications counselor for Chiesi in the U.S., this leader will shape and execute a communications strategy that builds visibility, strengthens and protects reputation, and deepens engagement across external stakeholders and internal teams. This role is for a true business partner who views communications as a strategic driver of organizational performance and who can translate complexity into compelling, actionable simplicity. The Head of Communications, US, will continue to build and oversee corporate communications, brand and therapeutic area communications, and internal communications, ensuring coordination and impact. Reporting to the Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, US, this leader will collaborate closely with U.S. and global teams to align local execution with Chiesi’s global communication strategy and immediate and long term objectives. This person will also instill analytical rigor across the US function, implementing a metrics driven approach that uses data and insights to demonstrate ROI, inform strategy, and elevate Chiesi’s reputation as a trusted, mission driven biopharmaceutical company in the U.S.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Strategic Leadership and Advisory: Activate the global Chiesi narrative within the US market, driving a cohesive one-company story across all business units and in alignment with global initiatives. Advise US leaders on communication and reputation matters to apply communication principles to enhance reputation, achieve business objectives and address emergent issues. 
• External Communications: Lead high-impact communication strategies for Chiesi’s US entity, the AIR (respiratory) and CARE (specialty) business units, including overseeing the development and execution of launch communication strategies, disease awareness campaigns, local pipeline and product communications, and corporate brand marketing strategy. 
• Media Relations and External Affairs: Develop and maintain a robust US media relations strategy. Cultivate positive relationships with key journalists and monitor the external landscape to identify opportunities and risks. 
• Digital and Social Strategy: Lead the US social media engagement strategy, ensuring our digital presence aligns with defined goals, our visual and verbal identities, and regulatory requirements.  
• Internal Communications: Design and activate a comprehensive internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement. Oversee the management and modernization of US intranet systems and internal communication channels such as quarterly town hall meetings, executive communications, annual theme and kickoff communications, Viva Engage and other platforms.
• Talent Development and Management: Mentor and lead a high performing team of communication professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, data- driven reputation management, best-in-class and adaptive communications, and continuous development and growth. 
• Crisis and Issues Management: Support the leader of Corporate Affairs in Crisis and Issues Management, maintaining availability to manage urgent external or internal developments. 
• Resource and Budgetary Management: Manage all US communications department resources and maintain accountability for all budgets under the department’s purview. Execute tactics within budgetary requirements and maintain compliance with all company financial policies and procedures. Propose, secure and manage financial resources to support programming defined in annual strategy recommendations.

You will need to have

• Bachelor’s degree and 7-10 years of progressive experience working in public relations, communications, or related field, preferably in corporate or therapeutic area communications in a pharmaceutical company or global agency leading pharmaceutical accounts.
• Strong business acumen, understanding of pharmaceutical industry business model, and an expert grasp on communication practice application to contribute to pharmaceutical business success.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on the value of and how communications can (or cannot) solve complex business issues and reputational challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, networking, and interpersonal skills; ability to establish, build and enhance relationships of trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and cultivate positive relationships with agencies.
• Experience leading effective internal communications to engage hybrid workforces.
• Track record of strategic creative thinking grounded in data and insights to drive measurable results in motivating stakeholders to action and building trust.
• Experience executing integrated, multistakeholder targeted communication strategy with clearly defined metrics aligned with business needs.
• Experience in media relations and knowledge and passion for emerging communications channels and trends.
• Experience designing communications measurement programs and applying insights from both qualitative and quantitative assessments.
• Demonstrated skills in creative, strategic planning grounded in market insights analysis, program management and execution.
• Ability to work collaboratively across all functions and levels of influence both internally and externally.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Cary, NC. 
• Comfort with the inherent unpredictable nature of senior communications roles.

Location

Hybrid role based in Cary, NC office; Willing and able to travel (approx. 25%), primarily domestically but potentially internationally.  #LI-Hybrid