Job Description General Summary: The Senior Director, Public Affairs & Communications is accountable for Vertex’s government affairs and public policy, patient advocacy and engagement, and communications priorities in the community. Additionally, the Senior Director, Public Affairs & Communications is a key member of the Country Leadership Team and contributes to the overall success of the company’s business unit in the assigned country. This role is Vertex’s key relationship builder with policy makers and patient organizations, and is accountable for the development and execution of Vertex’s government relations and advocacy strategy. The incumbent works to support timely access to Vertex’s innovative medicines for patients in the assigned country. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Develops and executes Vertex’s government relations strategy at the provincial level in order to achieve timely access to approved Vertex medicines. Meets with government officials (e.g. provincial legislators, ministerial/legislative assistants, and civil servants) to discuss policy and reimbursement topics. Assesses the impact of relevant legislation, regulations and public policy on the business and patient access to innovative new medicines. Collaborates with industry working groups regarding public policy initiatives related to access to medicines, orphan drugs and rare diseases. Builds and maintains relationships with patient organizations on policy issues related to access to medicines and life sciences innovation. Collaborates with patient organizations and advocates on issues relating to access to medicines while respecting their independence and autonomy. Acts as an ambassador for Vertex’s corporate brand and reputation at community events. Develops stakeholder communications strategies. Develops country specific communications products such as key messaging and talking points/Q&A to articulate Vertex’s value proposition, importance of timely access to approved medicines, and policy positions for use during interactions with external stakeholders. Develops and implements appropriate issues management and crisis communications plans as required. As a people manager within the organization, may have financial accountabilities and human resource responsibilities for assigned staff. Knowledge and Skills: Experience working at a senior level in a government relations and/or patient advocacy role with a biotech/pharmaceutical company Experience working directly with government stakeholders at both the political and civil service levels. Knowledge of the patient advocacy community, and understanding of the patient/caregiver experience in rare diseases is an asset. Experience in people management and vendor management. Understanding of the legal, regulatory, and compliance environment in which Vertex operates, while being committed to adhere to high ethical standards. Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities, while having the capacity to work effectively with all levels, to communicate complex concepts Able and willing to travel frequently across Canada, and must also have the ability to travel internationally including to the United States. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in political science, business administration or a related field required Typically requires 12 years of experience in a related field and 5 years of supervisory/management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. Company Information Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.
