Senior Vice President, Scientific Communications

FleishmanHillard is seeking an experienced, senior Scientific Communications Specialist to be part of FleishmanHillard’s energetic and high-growth Health & Life Science Sector. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior counsel to an exciting portfolio of science-focused companies across multiple theraputic areas while creating and nurturing a community of experts across the agency. 

In this strategic role, you will serve as a thought leader and quality champion, translating complex clinical data and regulatory information into compelling, scientifically accurate narratives for diverse audiences. You will guide cross-functional teams, set editorial standards, and ensure that all scientific communications reflect the highest standards of rigor and credibility.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Strategy
•    Serve as the lead scientific communications strategist for key pharma and biotech clients, providing strategic counsel on how to frame and communicate complex data to diverse audiences (HCPs, patients, regulators, media, investors)
•    Set and maintain standards for scientific interpretation, narrative framing, and editorial excellence across deliverables
•    Develop frameworks for translating dense clinical evidence into clear, credible narratives tailored to specific audiences — balancing scientific rigor with accessibility 
•    Guide internal teams and external partners on interpreting complex scientific concepts, clinical trial design, regulatory pathways, and messaging strategy
•    Lead strategy and attend major congresses and milestones to support clients as needed

Content Development & Oversight
•    Lead development of high-visibility scientific materials, including data press releases, regulatory milestone communications, thought leadership pieces, and clinical summaries
•    Direct the creation of diverse content formats including, but not limited to white papers, op-eds, bylines, abstracts, posters, peer-reviewed manuscripts, patient communications, social media content, and web copy
•    Ensure scientific accuracy and editorial consistency across all deliverables prior to client delivery

Therapeutic Area Expertise
•    Develop deep domain knowledge across assigned therapeutic areas, with particular strength in oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience
•    Support R&D and pipeline-stage communications, translating preclinical and clinical trial data for external audiences
•    Build and maintain expertise in regulatory pathways and their implications for communications strategy

Quality Assurance & Editorial Excellence
•    Establish and maintain editorial guidelines that elevate the quality and consistency of all scientific communications
•    Mentor and develop junior team members, including writers, editors, and coordinators
•    Review and edit deliverables for scientific accuracy, regulatory compliance, and narrative impact
•    Lead efforts to streamline the editorial review process and reduce cycle time

Client Relationship Management
•    Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to pharma and biotech clients
•    Present scientific communications recommendations and best practices to senior client stakeholders
•    Strengthen client relationships through superior scientific interpretation and editorial quality

Required Qualifications
•    10+ years of professional experience in scientific or medical communications, preferably in an agency setting
•    Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, MS) in a scientific, medical, or life sciences discipline, or equivalent professional experience in clinical or scientific research
•    Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and communicating clinical trial data, regulatory information, and scientific evidence
•    Proven ability to write and edit complex scientific materials for peer-reviewed journals, regulatory submissions, and lay audiences
•    Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple high-priority deliverables simultaneously
•    Excellent mentoring and leadership abilities
•    Superior written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience in pharmaceutical communications, biotech communications, or medical writing at a communications agency
•    Background in one or more of the following therapeutic areas: oncology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, or immunology
•    Experience with regulatory communications and understanding of FDA guidance
•    Track record of establishing new capabilities or functions within an organization
•    Experience managing cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
•    Published or presented work in scientific or professional settings

What We're Looking For
You are a scientific communicator who combines deep technical expertise with exceptional storytelling ability. You understand that the best scientific communications balance rigor with clarity—making complex information accessible without sacrificing accuracy. You're a quality champion with an eye for detail and a commitment to editorial excellence. You thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are energized by the opportunity to shape how scientific evidence is communicated to the world.

Why FleishmanHillard
•    Work with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients across multiple therapeutic areas
•    Opportunity to shape the future of scientific communications at a top-tier global agency
•    Collaborate with talented writers, strategists, and healthcare professionals
•    Professional development and mentorship in a supportive environment
•    Access to industry-leading tools and resources

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. FleishmanHillard was named 2020, 2021 and 2022 Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year; 2023 ICCO Large Agency of the Year – The Americas; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Extra-Large Agency of the Year; 2023 Campaign US PR Agency of the Year; 2021 PRovoke APAC Consultancy of the Year; and 2021 PRWeek UK Large Consultancy of the Year. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom PR Group and has nearly 80 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries. 

FleishmanHillard offers a hybrid work model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their workweek. We value the collaboration and camaraderie that in-person interactions provide but also understand the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees' lives. We acknowledge that our people are diverse individuals with unique circumstances and needs, and therefore our goal is to foster a productive and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive, both in and out of the office. 

FleishmanHillard is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws. Please do not contact the office directly to apply – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered. If you need assistance reviewing career opportunities or completing an application, please email our careers team or call 314-982-1700 and ask to be connected to Talent Development. 

The anticipated U.S. salary range for the Senior Vice President level is $123,000-$225,000.

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications and geography. A range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off and/or other benefits also are available.