Director or Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency. 

The preferred location for this role is hybrid based out of our South San Francisco, CA office.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent is responsible for formulating an integrated vision and strategy for communicating effectively with the investor community resulting in positive brand recognition and strong investor interest in Lyell. The Director or Senior Director, Investor Relations and Communications ensures that the Company’s scientific and clinical development strategy and progress are clearly communicated to investors, analysts, media, and the broad financial community. The person in this role must translate complex technical data into investment-driving narratives. Collaboration with executives and product teams on the delivery of external communications and corporate initiatives is essential to optimize the story of Lyell and its advances in science with investors, media, and industry organizations to broaden awareness and the brand of Lyell. Key duties include helping to develop and manage press releases, the corporate website, quarterly earnings filings, organizing conferences/roadshows, optimizing the corporate deck, determining corporate milestones to be communicated externally, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the C-suite and product teams to develop and execute a
  communications strategy to share the importance of Lyell with investors via quarterly
  filings, conference calls, investor conferences, and roadshows;
• Ensure that there is effective and consistent execution on the corporate communications
  strategy to ensure optimal outreach to investors and analysts to keep Lyell’s strategy
  and progress top of mind;
• Lead, develop and execute a comprehensive, strategic communications strategy and
  tactical plan to achieve key investor relations objectives; evolve as needed;
• Partner with Finance and Legal to ensure investor-facing communications are robust,
  timely and accurate, and provide compelling messaging and information.
• Develop written materials, such as key messages, FAQs and talking points to effectively
  communicate the company’s positioning, decision, or program updates for conference
  calls and other investor/analysts events.
• Train, advise, and develop spokespeople for media interviews, press conferences, and
  industry presentations; prepare talking points and briefing documents, as needed.
• Leverage existing network and build strong relationships with analysts, investors,
  members of the press, influencers, and partners, including serving as an on-record
  spokesperson, per the external communications strategy;
• Partner with media, identified PR agency, and external partners as needed to develop
  and execute campaigns, outreach programs, and monitor brand activity.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of our corporate strategy and the importance of each
  stakeholder segment to our corporate and scientific portfolio and messaging.
• Manage daily proactive and responsive communications for the company, including
  devising a crisis communications strategy and rapid response efforts.
• Keep track of the developments and public announcements by our competitors and peer
  companies.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Scientific discipline preferred; Communications, Marketing, or
  related field considered with significant biotech industry experience
• Master’s Degree a plus

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Senior Director -
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in public relations (preferably investor relations),
    corporate communications, or media with a strong understanding of business needs and
    competitive challenges in the life science industry. Minimum 8 years’ experience in management and leadership roles in mid to large size
    organizations.
• Director - 
  • Minimum 7-9 years’ experience in public relations (preferably investor relations),
    corporate communications, or media with a strong understanding of business needs and
    competitive challenges in the life science industry. Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in management and leadership roles in mid to large size
    organizations.
• Experience in the biotech industry in investor relations and corporate communications or
  as sell-side analyst.
• Effective track record in managing investor relations strategy and supporting significant
  initiatives such as financing, conference participation, and product launches.
• Proven written and verbal communication strength with the ability to tailor messages to a
  diverse set of audiences and define the various voices of Lyell (internal, external, etc.).
• Strong, proven executive leadership experience with business/corporate development or
  operations familiarity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Cross-functional experience leading through complexity, with the ability to influence and
  collaborate with multiple stakeholders at all levels across functions and levels.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to lead executive discussions, focus on detail
  and think strategically.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Track record of prioritizing and executing competing priorities in a fast-moving
  environment.
• Willingness to “roll-up your sleeves” managing a diverse set of objectives, shifting fluidly
  from strategy to execution consistent with a start-up environment.
• Agile and creative thinker in external communications; uses sound judgement.