FGS Global (FGS), is seeking a sharp, energetic and team-oriented professional to join the firm’s growing Strategic Communications Health practice to work primarily on clients advancing exciting biotechnology and health technology. The position is based in our Washington, D.C. office and follows a hybrid schedule with an expectation of at least three days per week in the office.
Job Overview
The successful candidate will be eager to support clients advancing novel biotechnology and health tech, especially novel therapeutics. The ideal candidate is motivated to learn about new subjects, new technologies or discoveries and the stories behind them. Accordingly, they will have a demonstrated ability to craft compelling content on complex subjects. A technical background is welcome, including those who hold master’s and doctoral degrees, but the successful candidate will first and foremost be an engaged storyteller who can think and act strategically. The position will provide an opportunity to work for clients at various stages of corporate development and in a wide array of critical mandates including company launches, transactions, clinical data readouts, and strategic reputation building. Clients represent a mix of private and public companies, large research organizations and individual executives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as day-to-day, client-facing coordinator and emerging leader on accounts of varying scope and work cadence, with primary focus on new company launches and ongoing corporate communications for biotechnology and health technology startups.
- Seamlessly fill diverse roles on accounts of varying sizes: from account leader to project manager to strategist to tactician to content writer.
- Set and deliver against high expectations, placing equal emphasis on sound strategy and crisp execution.
- Develop and steward client relationships for the long-haul.
- Leverage existing media relationships and strong understanding of how to earn media coverage from both trade and mainstream press. Maintain existing reporter relationships and cultivate new ones.
- Interface with senior leadership teams at life sciences companies and help to develop and execute against thought leadership and executive communications plans.
- Develop and write substantive, compelling and clear messaging, collateral materials and owned content (web, social), simplifying complex scientific, technological, regulatory, or other complex issues into compelling content.
- Work with other FGS divisions to deliver integrated services where appropriate (from strategic and financial communications, to government relations, creative design, digital and social media, branding and public opinion research)
- Practice and model impeccable client-relations – responsive, professional, and helpful
- React quickly to emerging issues, and urgent client requests.
- Display keen understanding of the biotechnology/life sciences/health sectors, media environment and media trends.
- Demonstrate an ability to dynamically prioritize between competing demands in real time
- Contribute to and reinforce a friendly, fun, team-based culture made up of high performers from diverse backgrounds who share a desire to win and excel for our clients
- Contribute to the firm’s new business efforts by participating in pitches and developing proposals and pitch materials
- Unflappably adapt to changing priorities and periods of intensity, including when client needs lead to evening or weekend work. Understand that while we all appreciate the importance of balance between life at and outside of work, flexibility is critical in client service.
ATTRIBUTES
- 5-9 years of relevant experience; life science, biotechnology, and health sector experience preferred
- Strong drive and curiosity in understanding and advancing the work of cutting-edge companies and technologies required
- Superior writing ability required
- Understands the appropriate use of earned, owned, social/digital and paid media
- Ability to shape agendas and stage work so that both more senior and junior staff stay seamlessly integrated with the work and contributing optimally
- Passion for reputation management and finding creative ways to influence target audiences
- In-house or agency experience coordinating diverse services in client engagements, including advertising, creative/graphic design, website development, branding, and public opinion research
- Experience working with relevant reporters and established media contacts
- Strong strategic thinker who can “connect the dots” between clients’ interests and the larger sector, policy and media landscape
- A demonstrated capacity for leadership, communication, teamwork and collegiality within a tight-knit team
- Desire to support growth of the health team and our work in biotech and health tech
- Prior corporate affairs experience (communications, investor relations, public affairs) preferred
- BA/BS degree in a relevant field; candidates with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply
