As part of the Corporate Affairs team, the Associate Director of Commercial Communications and Engagement is responsible for being a strategic and cross-functional team partner for Commercial stakeholders in the planning and execution of communications and employee engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, knowledgeable communications professional with a strong track record of developing and executing comprehensive communications plans, including highly visible engagements for senior leaders. The Associate Director of Commercial Communications and Engagement will be independently developing and executing a wide range of programs in support of the Commercial business, providing strategic communication and employee engagement expertise on key initiatives aligned with marketing and sales strategies, company vision and business priorities. They must be able to balance and effectively prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, establish and enhance relationships with many different stakeholders to ensure all communications are timely, engaging and consistent with Corporate and Commercial objectives.
This position is located in Waltham, MA, and reports to the Sr. Director, Commercial Communications & Engagement. This hybrid role requires three days a week in the Waltham office.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders (marketing, sales, training, operations, etc.) and actively participate as an extended member of these teams to provide strategic communications counsel and direction in support of successful program execution
Develop, influence and execute strategic communication plans to amplify brand strategies, sales direction, milestones, successes and leadership/employee voices.
Advise, coach and counsel internal stakeholders, including senior management, on events/issues that need to be communicated internally, and ensure communications support the broader Corporate/Commercial strategy.
Lead the Commercial Communications internal channel strategy to reflect corporate objectives, commercial priorities, and evolving developments/opportunities to increase understanding of brand direction, improve productivity and enhance our culture.
Work with internal stakeholders to articulate and visualize performance, business and operational updates and priorities, which includes delivering effective, compelling business communications (for example, quarterly performance results, engagement surveys, annual objectives/quarterly scorecard rollouts and end of year communications).
Partner with all cross-functional stakeholders to support the successful execution of Commercial events including Commercial Town Halls, National/Regional sales meetings, President's Club trip, etc. with responsibility for all communications and engagement deliverables.
Develop and deliver accurate, clear and compelling Commercial communications materials across relevant channels in support of business objectives.
Manage and optimize commercial communications platforms (digital community, etc.) and processes and identify new channels to maximize impact and engagement.
Generate new ideas and develop content to build community and drive engagement while advancing a culture of compliance and reinforcing the Alkermes Core Purpose and Values.
Create opportunities for meaningful two-way dialogue to educate, inspire, and connect field and commercial employees to the business, the Alkermes mission and one another.
Establish measurable objectives for programs that are aligned with business goals and provide regular reporting to stakeholders to inform future content and guide communications strategy.
Effectively manage vendor relationships and/or contractors to ensure appropriate direction and timely completion of projects within budget.
Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Enthusiastic & Positive: Bring a "can-do" attitude and positivity to each project.
Collaborative & Flexible: Thrive in a team-oriented culture where you value input from others and adapt easily to new ideas and changing circumstances.
Proactive Self-Starter: Take initiative to drive projects forward independently, while also working seamlessly with teams to achieve common goals.
Strategic & Creative: Think strategically and creatively to develop innovative solutions that enhance communication and employee engagement across the organization.
Agile & Resilient: Excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities with flexibility and ease. Stay calm under pressure and always maintain a solution-oriented mindset.
Exceptional Communicator: Be a strong, persuasive communicator with the ability to connect with people at all levels, driving clarity and alignment with clear, compelling messaging.
Leadership by Example: Inspire others through your work ethic, integrity, and ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence.
Growth-Oriented: Comfortable with change and committed to continuous personal and professional development
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
At least 10 years of experience in internal or corporate communications (or other experience that involves consensus building, communications, and clear outcomes), with a proven track record in driving engagement, change communications, and organizational culture-building initiatives. Experience in pharmaceuticals or product communications is a plus.
Bachelor's degree required
Significant experience managing different stakeholder relationships and confident at forging trusted relationships. Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor and effective business partner to senior executives/leaders.
Excellent business and editorial writing skills required (i.e., ability to produce clear, compelling, motivating communications quickly)
Experience of employee and leader communications, employee engagement plans and campaigns, and change communications.
Ability to present and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals at all levels. Expert technical skills across digital/multi-media communications
Strong project management skills required. Must be able to successfully work in a matrixed organization, lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects
Track record of developing and delivering innovative and highly engaging internal communications to achieve tangible outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deliverables under tight timelines and to prioritize deliverables based on the needs of the business
Expertise in communications concepts, practices, strategies and tactics based on understanding of key audiences and corporate objectives
Ability to travel 10% domestic and international
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About Us
Why join Team Alkermes?
Alkermes applies its deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A fully-integrated, global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we are committed to pursuing great science, driven by deep compassion to make a real impact in the lives of patients. Alkermes has a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various neurological disorders, including narcolepsy.
Beyond our important mission of developing medicines to address unmet patient needs, we actively seek to foster a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout our business. We strive to ensure that all voices are respected and valued, recognizing that our diversity of thought, background and perspective makes us stronger. We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations, including being certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. in 2024, honored as a Healthiest Employer in both Ohio and Massachusetts in 2023, a Best Place for Working Parents in 2023, and to have received the Bell Seal at the Platinum level for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America for three consecutive years (2021-2023).
Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Alkermes is an E-Verify employer.