Director, Media

1 week ago

Menlo Park, CA, United States Summit Therapeutics Full time
Location: Onsite (Palo Alto, CA; Princeton, NJ or Miami, FL)

About Summit:

Ivonescimab, known as SMT112, is a novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule. Ivonescimab displays unique cooperative binding to each of its intended targets with multifold higher affinity when in the presence of both PD-1 and VEGF.

Summit has begun its clinical development of ivonescimab in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with three active Phase III trials:
  • HARMONi is a Phase III clinical trial which intends to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with a 3rd generation EGFR TKI (e.g., osimertinib).
  • HARMONi-3 is a Phase III clinical trial which is designed to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic NSCLC.
  • HARMONi-7 is a Phase III clinical trial which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab monotherapy compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression.
Ivonescimab is an investigational therapy that is not approved by any regulatory authority in Summit's license territories, including the United States and Europe. Ivonescimab was approved for marketing authorization in China in May 2024. Ivonescimab was granted Fast Track designation by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the HARMONi clinical trial setting.

Overview of Role:

Lead enterprise-level media relations and public-relations strategy for a fast-growing biotech. You will serve as a primary company spokesperson, architect integrated earned-media campaigns, and manage issues across discovery, clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. You'll partner tightly with Executive Leadership, Regulatory/Medical Affairs, Clinical, and IR, to develop and advance corporate and product reputation.

Role and Responsibilities:
  • Own global media strategy: Build and execute proactive media plans (top-tier, trade, local) aligned to pipeline and corporate calendar; secure coverage for data readouts, regulatory filings/approvals, financings, collaborations, and leadership POVs.
  • Spokesperson & press office: Serve as day-to-day media contact; prep executives; draft/QA press materials (Q&As, op-eds, media briefs) and oversee measurement.
  • Issues communications: Lead rapid response for any potential negative feedback or public communication; run scenario planning and war-room protocols.
  • Data & conference moments: Orchestrate scientific congress communications (e.g., AACR, ASCO, ESMO), and coordinate with IR regarding press releases, earnings releases, and other disclosures.
  • Thought leadership: Build exec platforms across earned/owned/speaking; manage ghostwriting and social amplification (in partnership with Digital/IR).
  • Agency & budget leadership: Select and manage PR agencies; negotiate SOWs; own measurement/KPIs and quarterly dashboards.
  • Policy & advocacy alignment: Coordinate with Patient Advocacy to ensure media narratives support access and policy goals; anticipate external risks.
  • All other duties as assigned
Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
  • Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in media relations/public relations/corporate communications, including significant time in biopharma/biotech or a healthcare PR agency supporting biopharma.
  • Domain fluency: Comfort translating preclinical/clinical/regulatory topics; familiarity with GxP, FDA/EMA milestones, payer dynamics, and scientific conferences.
  • Proven spokesperson: Track record landing tier-one coverage and managing high-stakes issues.
  • Leadership & collaboration: Executive presence; calm under pressure; excellent judgment; deft cross-functional coordination.
  • Writing & storytelling: Crisp executive writing; strong news sense; data-driven measurement mindset.
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Life Sciences, Journalism, or related field required. Graduate degree preferred

The pay range for this role is $184,000-$230,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor. The total compensation package for this position may also include bonus, stock, benefits and/or other applicable variable compensation.

Summit does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact Summit's Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@smmttx.com to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to Summit.

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