Director, Global Communications

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground-breaking biological solutions to sustainably and safely control insects that spread disease and destroy crops. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of growing threats that insects pose to human health and the global food supply.

Whilst what we do relates to developing insect control technologies, our organisation is about people and in its service to people.

All candidates for all Oxitec positions must be committed to Oxitec's values and principles. We foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability. Click here to read about trust and about our principles, and click here to read our CEO's blog on trust and our corporate culture.

Purpose of the Role

As Director of Global Communications, you will oversee all aspects of Oxitec's internal and external communications, inspiring audiences and stakeholders around the world on some of the most exciting advancements in the fight against vector-borne diseases, threats to food security, and other climate-related challenges.

Working with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, you will have a broad remit and support to build and execute the global strategies for corporate reputation, policy, public and media relations, internal and external communication, branding, and product launches. You will be the architect and driver of Oxitec's reputation management strategy, elevating the image of the organisation through strategic communication and partner agency management. At the program level, you will build on Oxitec's world-leading community engagement track record, ensuring that our programs continue to operate with the support of, and in partnership with, the communities that we serve.

You will need to be well-versed in the full spectrum of corporate communications management, externally and internally, and have developed successful communications programs, campaigns, and initiatives for growing and changing organizations.

Responsibilities

In partnership with the leadership team, set the roadmap for Oxitec's global PR strategy and Corporate Communications;
Foresee areas of risk/crisis and proactively execute on communication strategies to safeguard Oxitec's reputation across internal and external audiences (especially around industry-specific topics);
Navigate intense communication needs with rapid response and a variety of end-to-end solutions;
Prepare and pitch multiple response strategies, building messaging for all possible outcomes/involved audiences;
Earn media opportunities for company announcements, product launches, and executive highlights, including the management of PR agencies globally;
Serve as the company's chief spokesperson in certain media markets and train company staff to engage with media wherever appropriate;
Support regional communication programs and country-level teams while ensuring communications, brand, and messaging is standardised globally;
Lead the small team managing the company's digital properties, including company and regional websites and social properties;
Co-develop, and lead the implementation of, social media campaigns in support of corporate and local public engagement initiatives, bringing high levels of engagement, creativity, and interactivity with followers;
Develop thought leadership opportunities for the company's senior leaders;
Produce high-quality information products, including annual reports, special publications, presentations, etc;
Select and manage supporting contractors, freelancers, and companies/agencies in support of global communications strategies/initiatives;
Manage internal brand and employee engagement communications (newsletters, brand consistency efforts, etc.);
Work with partner communication offices to ensure consistency and compliance with collaboration agreements.

Skills, Experience, And Education Requirements

10+ years of experience in Communication and PR, with relevant industry experience, preferably in the service of mission-led, not-for-profit, start-up and/or entrepreneurial organisations that are fast-moving and dynamic;
Expertise in building and executing on corporate reputation and crisis communication strategies;
Expertise in shaping corporate narratives, stakeholder presentations, and leadership reputation programs;
Proven track record of managing external/internal communication strategies in change environments, for high-growth start-ups in the public eye;
Extensive experience of managing interactions with the media, the development and management of active communications offices, corporate communication initiatives, public engagement campaigns, and marketing initiatives for products or public engagement initiatives;
Proven manager of high-calibre external vendors in complement with in-house communications talent and resource;
Experience with building and executing strategic, culturally sensitive community engagement programs, preferably across international settings;
Experience in addressing societal challenges in low-income countries is highly desirable;
Excellent written, visual, and verbal communicator, with the ability to translate technical subject matter into easy-to-understand concepts and messages;
Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic organizational cultures and high-performance environments;
Actively seeks to serve others, with an ability to listen, learn, understand, and then take appropriate action to develop and distribute thoughtful communications and marketing efforts in a diverse set of cultural landscapes.

Behavioural Requirements

A deep commitment to Oxitec's mission, values and principles;
Fun, energetic, highly-adaptive, and flexible;
Agile self-starter and self-paced to meet goals and objectives, without need for structured guidance or instructions;
Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements;
Able to communicate positively and effectively interact with people across cultures;
Highly-cooperative, supportive of peers, and professional always;
Integrity, demonstrated through consistency of actions and values;
Ready to be hands-on and contribute to any tasks critical for the success of this small team, at times working to tight deadlines;
Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility, thriving and being resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.