Corporate Communications Intern
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.
The Corporate Communications Intern will be embedded within the Corporate Communications team, collaborating closely with team members across digital/social, executive and internal communications, as well as cross-functional partners to support priority internal and external communications. They will contribute to meaningful, high-visibility projects, including content development, brand-aligned materials, and event support. These efforts help our stakeholders stay informed and connected to our mission to turn scientific promise into meaningful innovation. Their work will directly strengthen the team’s ability to deliver timely, engaging and brand aligned communications that advance Acadia’s reputation.
This role is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience in a professional pharmaceutical environment, offering exposure to cross-functional collaboration, business processes, and industry best practices.
Learn more about our internship program here.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist the Corporate Communications team with the development of multi-channel communications materials surrounding key business milestones, which may include internal emails and social posts, key messages, talking points, slides, website content, and more.
- Assist with virtual and/or in-person employee-facing events, including prepping event materials, run-throughs with speakers, and logistics.
- Develop and launch an internal brand ambassador pilot program to build employee brand advocacy and amplify key internal communications.
- Document key performance indicators (KPIs) for internal and external communications
- Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned.
- Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and strategic discussions to gain exposure to business operations and contribute insights where appropriate.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and alignment with company values in all interactions.
- Complete a final presentation summarizing internship contributions and key learnings.
Education/Experience/Skills:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing an undergraduate degree with coursework completed in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred.
- Strong Project Management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Prior internship, leadership experience, campus involvement, or project-based work preferred.
- Interest in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry strongly preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
- Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements:
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.
Compensation:
- $22/hr USD
- Please note: Interns are not eligible for the US-based employee benefits
#LI-HYBRID
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.
Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.