Director, Corporate Communications

About the role

Sana Biotechnology, Inc. is seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Director/Director who will play a critical role in designing, building and implementing the overall communications strategy. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, who also leads Investor Relations, this role will work across functions to build messaging and communications programs, both internally and externally. This role will partner closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and other key stakeholders to ensure consistent and aligned messages that reinforce Sana’s strategy, values, and priorities. This individual will manage communications with leaders across the company, developing cohesive strategies and plans that effectively communicate our story to a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will have the ability to influence others, drive alignment across diverse cross-functional teams, and execute several core deliverables within our overall communications strategy. Additionally, qualified candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment, excel at managing multiple priorities, succeed in communicating with all levels within the organization and provide an immediate contribution.

What you’ll do

External Communications (PR, media, website, social media)

• Develop cohesive communications strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with overall company vision, mission, values and goals by partnering with subject matter experts. Manage communications calendar
• Develop, maintain and evolve a set of key messages that align with our branding strategy, communication principles, mission, and core values in a manner that enhances the perception and visibility of Sana as leader in cell and gene therapy.
• Develop high-quality communications materials aligned with company goals and messages, including press releases, fact sheets, talking points and Q&A documents
• Direct media relations; establish/maintain excellent and productive relationships with healthcare reporters, local media and other external stakeholders; arrange interviews, prepare executive spokespersons, and manage PR / media firm as needed
• Manage and further develop Sana's corporate website, in partnership with the Head of Investor Relations and our PR / media firm
• Manage and further develop Sana’s social media strategy, in partnership with the People team and our Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
• Coordinate with CFO and Head of Investor Relations on corporate messaging in preparation for company milestones, medical conferences, investor conferences, and other events
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members on external-facing materials and events, including branded, medical, industry, and research meetings and presentations, to ensure consistency with the company's approved messages and in-line with our communication disclosure process
• Serve as a corporate brand ambassador and provide corporate communications recommendations as needed
• Monitor industry and competitor developments and prepare proactive and reactive plans as needed
• Perform ad hoc analysis and projects as needed

Internal Employee Communications

• Define and execute the internal communication strategy that aligns with Sana's mission, core values and cultural goals to drive employee awareness and engagement around key business priorities. Develop the roadmap required to achieve the strategy and to provide continual and transparent communication to current employees
• Develop and manage written content for internal communications including company announcements, business presentations, articles, talking points, videos, etc. for multiple channels including the intranet, social media, employee meetings, videos, emails, etc.
• Responsible for managing the calendar and preparing materials for all company meetings, including Weekly Huddles and Annual All-Employee meetings, in conjunction with the CEO’s Office and People team
• Own Sana Connect (company intranet) strategy, plans, design approach, and compliance. Focus on developing it to be a meaningful communication and collaboration channel by ensuring the content is relevant, helpful, and culturally appropriate
• Participate in creating the monthly newsletter to ensure the content is consistent with key messages and used in conjunction with other internal communication channels
• Partner with key stakeholders on the recruiting communication strategy and deliverables. Support the people operations team in the development of a roadmap that supports the overall strategy and goals for sourcing new talent
• Manage vendors (developers, designers, infrastructure resources) for supporting the launch and sustainment of internal communication projects and channels

What we’re looking for

• At least 10+ years of communications experience in a publicly-traded healthcare/biotechnology company
• BA/BS degree required; advanced degree a plus
• Proven ability to speak the language of a biotechnology company and break down complex scientific concepts for external audiences
• Understanding of FDA and other regulations impacting communications
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven ability to build and maintain relationships with company executives, media, patient advocacy organizations and other internal and external constituents
• Effective resource management; can determine the appropriate use of internal vs. external resources
• Proven ability to establish internal communication and change management best practices
• Excellent written communication skills with a track record of generating clear, accurate, and compelling materials
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, influence, and communications skill with the proven ability to communicate effectively across all departments and levels of the organization
• Is flexible and adaptable – Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced working environment and work diplomatically and tactfully with others
• Proven capability to appropriately challenge status quo, drive and support innovation, including new ideas to streamline and enhance processes rather than solely implement current tactics
• A mentor and leader of people, projects and teams: all team members deserve an engaged, thoughtful culture and people leader
• An inclusive individual who thrives in a team-oriented environment 

What you should know

• Frequent domestic travel (~25%) to other Sana sites and external events is anticipated
• Working safely in person on a predictable and regular in-person basis is an essential job function for this position, and the Company requires that all individuals working in-person be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including receipt of a vaccine booster shot if recommended by the CDC

How we work together

• Lead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversations
• Thrive as a team – we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivity
• Make it happen – we value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient execution

Get to know us

At Sana, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, we cover 100% of the cost for employee health coverage and offer generous time-off, parental leave, short- and long-term disability, financial wellness programs, a 401(k) Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental or sensory disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability), genetic information, actual or perceived HIV or Hepatitis C infection, medical condition (cancer or a record or history of cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, veteran status, political ideology, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions described above.