Director of Communications
4 days ago
San Diego
Job Description About Capricor Therapeutics Capricor Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for rare diseases, with a primary focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We are pioneers in cell therapy and exosome-based technology, leveraging our proprietary StealthX™ platform to engineer innovative treatments. Our team is committed to harnessing cutting-edge science and advanced technologies to meet the unmet needs of patients living with DMD and other challenging medical conditions. Join us on our journey as we push the boundaries of medical science and pave the way for a healthier future. Position Overview The Director of Communications is a newly created leadership role responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies to support Capricor’s growth as a late-stage biotech company advancing toward regulatory approvals and market entry. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this position will oversee all internal and external communications, ensuring alignment across the organization while managing public relations, investor communications, and patient advocacy efforts. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep experience in biotech communications, capable of translating complex scientific and regulatory information into compelling messages for diverse audiences, including investors, media, patients, and employees. This role will play a pivotal part in enhancing Capricor’s corporate reputation, fostering stakeholder engagement, and supporting our mission to deliver innovative therapies for rare diseases. The Director will work closely with the legal team to ensure compliance and alignment in all communications activities. Responsibilities • Develop and Lead Communications Strategy: Create and implement overarching internal and external communications plans that align with Capricor’s business objectives, including regulatory milestones, clinical trial updates, and investor relations, while counseling senior leadership on communications matters. Collaborate with the legal team to ensure all strategies comply with regulatory and corporate guidelines., • Manage External Public Relations: Own all PR activities, including managing relationships with external PR vendors and agencies to execute earned media strategies, thought leadership initiatives, and proactive media outreach to build awareness of Capricor’s pipeline and innovations. Work with legal to review and approve all public-facing materials for compliance and accuracy., • Ensure Communications Alignment: Oversee the coordination of internal and external communications to guarantee that all external releases, announcements, and materials are first communicated to appropriate internal stakeholders, including legal, to maintain consistency, compliance, and alignment across the organization., • Handle Meetings and Event Communications: Lead communications planning and execution for key meetings, including investor calls, regulatory interactions, medical conferences, and internal town halls, ensuring effective messaging, materials preparation, and follow-up. Partner with legal to ensure regulatory-sensitive communications are accurate and compliant., • Oversee Digital and Website Management: Manage Capricor’s digital channels, including social media and corporate website, with potential to assume full ownership of website strategy, content development, and updates to enhance online presence and stakeholder engagement. Coordinate with legal to ensure digital content meets regulatory standards., • Partner with Patient Advocacy and Stakeholders: Collaborate with the patient advocacy team to develop and manage communications with patients, advocacy groups, and community partners, fostering relationships that support Capricor’s patient-centered approach in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other indications. Ensure patient-facing materials are reviewed by legal for compliance., • Support Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with commercial, medical affairs, regulatory, R&D, and investor relations teams to provide communications support, including the development of materials for product launches, clinical data announcements, and crisis/issues management. Engage legal to review materials for regulatory and corporate compliance., • Drive Internal Communications: Build a culture of transparency and engagement through strategic internal communications, including employee updates on company progress, transformation initiatives, and executive engagement programs, ensuring alignment with legal and corporate policies., • Manage Crisis and Issues Communications: Lead the development and execution of communications strategies for crisis and issues management, proactively addressing reputational risks related to regulatory processes, clinical trials, or market challenges, in close collaboration with legal and senior leadership to ensure compliance and alignment., • Monitor and Analyze Impact: Track communications metrics, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback to measure effectiveness, identify trends, and refine strategies for continuous improvement, sharing insights with legal and leadership as needed., • Agency and Vendor Management: Oversee external vendors and agencies for PR, digital, and content needs, ensuring high-quality deliverables, budget adherence, and alignment with Capricor’s goals without plans to transition away from established partnerships. Coordinate with legal to review vendor agreements and deliverables., • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred., • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications roles within the biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity managing internal and external communications and public relations in a regulated environment., • Experience in rare diseases, cell therapy, or late-stage clinical development highly desirable., • Strong understanding of FDA regulatory processes, biotech business models, investor relations, and compliance requirements for communications in clinical and pre-commercial stages, with proven experience collaborating with legal teams., • Proven track record in developing and executing strategies for media relations, digital communications, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement; experience managing external agencies and vendors required., • Proficiency in digital tools, social media platforms, content management systems, and analytics software (e.g., Google Analytics, Hootsuite); skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating presentations, reports, and materials., • Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced, evolving biotech environment., • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific, medical, and regulatory content into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences; strong presentation and interpersonal skills for C-suite advising and cross-functional collaboration., • Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, influence without authority, manage up/across teams, and drive results in a collaborative setting., • Proactive, results-oriented leader comfortable building a function from the ground up, with high ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential information professionally., • Professional office setting with a hybrid work model (remote and onsite)., • Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods., • Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds. Capricor Therapeutics is an industry leader in cell and exosome therapy, pushing boundaries to create innovative treatments that raise the standard of care. Grounded in integrity and driven by science, our team is committed to making a meaningful impact through patient-centered innovation. Join us and be part of a team that’s changing lives—help us shape the future of healthcare. Compensation (USD) • Salary Range: Competitive, commensurate with experience. At Capricor, we offer a collaborative work environment that supports your professional growth. Join a passionate team committed to transforming the lives of patients and pushing the boundaries of medical science.