Associate Director - Communications and Patient Advocacy Relations

Biogen ,
Maidenhead, Berkshire
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Job Description

The purpose of this role is to support operational direction and leadership for: The Associate Director is responsible for the protection, building and enhancement of Biogen's reputation at a country level while helping to drive and support the business engaging with key stakeholders. The person in this role will work closely Global, Regional and Local colleagues to build the company's profile in the UK and Ireland by developing proactive communication and external engagement strategies targeted towards multiple external and internal stakeholders including, but not limited to, patient advocacy organisations, media, and other relevant groups (eg, trade associations, HTA or NHS) who influence the public discussion around the environment for optimal medicines management and market access. Working closely with the Director, Public Affairs for the UK and Ireland Affiliate, plus other corporate affairs colleagues, both in country, and across the EU to share best practice and ensure alignment across the function. The role requires strong collaboration and networking across the organization while able to lead and work independently. Key responsibilities: Biogen are market leaders in Multiple Sclerosis(MS) and have an established portfolio of medicines and strong reputation amongst key stakeholders. With support from the Director of Public Affairs, the Associate Director will develop, and implement, an integrated corporate affairs programme at the country level to build and enhance Biogen's reputation in Multiple Sclerosis with a focus on disease awareness. As leaders in neuroscience Biogen has several late stage medicines in development in the areas of Alzheimer's disease, ophthalmology and amoyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND). The Associate Director will also be required to support market preparedness for these pipeline assets in the UK and Ireland. Be an active member of the External Affairs Team in the UK and Ireland to ensure an integrated One Biogen approach Lead the patient advocacy communications for MS and where necessary support patient advocacy in relation to pipeline assets Lead on all appropriate media engagement, public relations and external affairs in relation to MS and provide a support role in pipeline assets Work closely with colleagues in Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) to support advocacy and policy initiatives. Work collaboratively with the multichannel excellence lead to support content development for our health and wellbeing app in MS, Cleo devising strategies to optimize uptake amongst the MS community *_Principal Accountabilities_* 25% - Product and PR Establish/protect Biogen corporate brand and reputation in UK and Ireland among all relevant stakeholders through product communication and advocacy approaches in MS and pipeline. Positively influence the external healthcare environment for benefit of patients through engagement with external stakeholders, industry groups and responding to consultation. Liaise closely with global and regional colleagues to optimize outputs for the benefit of the UK and Ireland affiliate, including data communications. Serves as high level company representative at relevant external meetings. 50% - Patient Advocacy Groups Develop synergistic, strategic and mutually beneficial working relationships with Patient Advocacy Groups across all relevant therapeutic areas, defining shared strategies to support patients and improve outcomes (eg, guidelines, governance, disease management, access). Involve disease advocacy activities to drive corporate leadership positioning. Represent Biogen at key advocacy fora, umbrella organisations and relevant trade association working groups. Be comfortable with senior thought leaders in the advocacy space. 20% - Media Relations and Social Media Oversee and lead the development of a multi-channel media engagement strategy and build a network of external experts to; drive media coverage around key milestones, seize relevant opportunities to enhance the organisation's image and advance the understanding of the disease areas in which we operate and the value of our therapeutic portfolios. Serves as affiliate media spokesperson 5% - Issues and crisis management The Associate Director will identify emerging external issues that may impact on reputation or ability to operate - lead on affiliate preparedness and management of local issues; mitigate risk and maximise opportunities to maintain Biogen profile and reputation. *_Minimum Experience Requirements_* 10 plus years of communications experience in progressively senior roles in terms of responsibility, working with senior executives and managing and leading teams. Understanding of the integrated nature of the function bringing together communications, government and policy, social media, and all elements of the function for maximum impact, efficiency and effectiveness. Experience working in matrix organizations and with global f

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