Director of Product and Corporate Communications

Position Purpose:

The Director of Product and Corporate Communications will drive efforts to advance business strategy and performance through strategic, integrated communications. This individual will execute key efforts to align and advance the corporate, product and commercial stories into a cohesive and compelling narrative as Stoke prepares to commercialize its first potential disease-modifying medicine and advances a pipeline of potential new medicines. This position reports to and works closely with the Vice President of Corporate Communications and serves as a trusted partner to cross-functional stakeholders and business leadership. This is a key role that is anticipated to provide continuing opportunities for growth and development as the company succeeds. The candidate must have deep experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical communications, preferably within publicly traded companies, a broad understanding of the business and be someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. This person must be motivated by the patient need and operate with utmost integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the development and implementation of an integrated strategic communications plan to advance Stoke’s corporate and product story and to build its reputation among key external stakeholders  

• Contributes to the day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning, and consultant/agency relationships  

• Serves as a trusted advisor to business leaders, including identifying opportunities and managing high-profile situations 

• Partners with cross-functional stakeholders to drive integrated communications strategies and plans to support business objectives, including data communications, corporate milestones, launch preparedness and issues management with Commercial, Medical, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Legal, Clinical Operations, Investor Relations (IR), Advocacy and others 

• Works closely with the IR team on content for IR-related activities including quarterly business updates and investor events 

• Engages with our collaborators on ongoing communications opportunities and milestones 

• Increases Stoke’s visibility and reputation through media relations, thought leadership, web content, social media and strategic engagements 

• Builds and maintains relationships with journalists and influencers, pitching story ideas, managing inbound inquiries and serving as a spokesperson 

• Prepares Stoke executives for external speaking engagements and media interviews 

• Ensures compelling, consistent and effective messaging; develops corporate communications materials including press releases, media materials, Q&A, slide decks, talking points, website content and videos  

• Drives content development and strategy for corporate digital and social channels to ensure content is compelling, timely, accurate and effective from a technology and engagement standpoint 

• Supports the adaptation of corporate materials for use with other audiences including advocates, patients/caregivers, employees, clinicians, elected officials and others to ensure consistency in message  

• Supports crisis communications and rapid response to emerging media inquiries and corporate issues, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, patient-centric and strategic communication 

• Analyzes and reports on learnings from communications/PR efforts and media coverage to drive effectiveness and continuous improvement 

• Studies and evaluates industry trends and peer activities to identify opportunities for Stoke to engage and improve, using experience and external benchmarks to make the case 
• Helps establish and codify best practices, policies and processes to meet the needs of the department and company 

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree  

• 10+ years of experience in public relations or communications in pharma/biotech, including product communications 

• Proven success within and deep knowledge of pharma/biotech industry and regulatory environment 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills  

• Experienced in managing complex stakeholder relationships 

• Established relationships with relevant media contacts as demonstrated through a track record of successful media relations and communications campaigns 

• Strong cross-functional partner; able to influence at all levels and advocate for strategy, works collaboratively with colleagues and other stakeholders; actively solicits input and feedback; flexible and responsive 

• Strategic thinker and problem-solver who is willing and able to implement tactically; is intellectually curious and perceptive 

• Expertise in social media strategy and content development preferred 

• Experience within publicly traded companies preferred 

• Works well under pressure; has excellent time- and project-management skills and deep experience leading complex, time-critical projects; can manage multiple projects and thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment 

• Can confidently and effectively advise and influence senior leaders  

• Demonstrates exceptional storytelling skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity with sound judgment 

• Holds self and others to a high standard of ethics and integrity. Maintains confidentiality, exercises good judgment and discretion 
• Effectively prioritizes workload; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail  

Location(s):

Stoke is located in Bedford, MA. This position will work primarily on-site. 

Travel: 

This position will require approximately 5% travel.  

Compensation & Benefits:

At Stoke Therapeutics, we are committed to offering a comprehensive, competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards program.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $209,000 - $243,000. The final offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope, experience and qualifications, education, market benchmarks, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, Stoke offers an annual bonus and equity participation.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance; life, long- and short-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; a 401K plan with company match, unlimited vacation time, tuition assistance and participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).