Account Director – Healthcare & Life Sciences - Instinctif Partners

Instinctif Partners is an international business communications consultancy, specialists in reputation, influence and engagement. We work with over 850 clients globally, from FTSE100 enterprises to SMEs just starting out on their journey. We are 450+ people in twenty offices in ten countries, working across six practice areas and a range of sector specialisms.
We’re looking for a Trailblazer; someone who is unafraid to take responsibility and come up with new efficient approaches.
An individual who can Move fast, thrive in a busy and fast growing agency. You’ll have the ability to Always Connect, build strong and effective relationships across all levels of the business. Lastly, you’ll Keep it real. We pride ourselves on our work ethic and ability to work together as a team. We’re looking for someone who is hardworking and passionate and wants to build their career at one of the most exciting consultancies in the space.

Department Overview:

The healthcare & life sciences practice of Instinctif Partners brings together a unique mix of expertise in corporate, financial, marketing and product communications with a dedicated design consultancy. We’ve earned a formidable reputation for creative, comprehensive and effective communications counsel over two decades.
We deliver communications programmes focused on enhancing the value proposition for companies seeking investment, partnerships or customers. Our clients range from start-ups to multi-nationals. All have a common goal to make a difference, whether that’s in pharma, biotech, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, or through enabling technologies and services.
We aim to make a difference through the strategic counsel and communications services we offer.

For more information, please visit http://lifesciences.instinctif.com

Role Overview:

The Account Director (AD) will be expected to take day-to-day responsibility for implementing work across a number of client accounts and projects, providing senior level counsel, as well as helping with business development. The AD will support staff management and development (either directly or in-directly). The AD will have considerable responsibility with clients up to board level, and should have the gravitas and experience to work confidently at this level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Client management:

Lead role on client accounts, for both listed and private companies, being mindful of the client’s overall communications objectives, ensuring resources are deployed and activities executed appropriately to achieve value-adding results.
Develop and maintain senior level client relationships and ensure regular client interaction, building good knowledge of client businesses.
Account management and implementation including strategic advice, PR planning, media strategy and outreach, analyst and investor strategy and outreach, planning at least three months ahead.
Project management of non-retainer, project work to ensure scheduling of internal resources and with client availability.
Work closely with account lead and account team to plan and execute communications programme.
Maintain close media relationships to maximise coverage achieved from client news and stories, ensure inclusion in relevant round up pieces, and proactively identify opportunities.
Understand practicalities of using digital and social media to benefit clients and Life Sciences team. Plan and execute strategic social media programmes for clients and execute these to support achievement of objectives.
Plan and oversee media outreach for client news, ensuring key messages are understood and communicated.
Copywriting – technical, corporate and financial, as well as reviewing materials drafted by client team members, providing feedback and direction.
Identifying additional activities which complement client core programmes e.g. speaker opportunities, award submissions, commissioning research, media opportunities, design, websites etc.
Understanding the financial accounting process and costings/estimates for project/retainer work.
Ensuring time is managed effectively, containing over servicing and managing extra billing.
Financial management of clients’ accounts, reviewing client spend and timesheet records, preparing invoices and checking supporting material, ensuring all costs are captured and passed on, working with accounts department to resolve any billing issues.

Healthcare & Life Sciences team support:

Support learning and mentoring of other team members using experience and knowledge gained from reading around the sector to share key news, strong examples of client work, provide AE training sessions etc.
Maintain sector knowledge by reading around sector and current affairs, keep team and clients updated.
Identify and take forward opportunities to develop own skill sets and knowledge, as well as those of the team e.g. internal and external training, attending industry body events and networking.
Contribute to the administrative procedures of the office in general.

Business development:

Expanding own network of contacts which could lead to new business opportunities (e.g. corporates, venture capitalists as appropriate).
Research and drafting new business pitches, credentials, case studies, presentations. Attending new business meetings and pitching for new business.
Creating and identifying ways to expand existing client accounts with additional projects or introducing other Instinctif expertise, where appropriate.
Identifying sector events and networking opportunities and attending as appropriate.

Skills & Experience

Essential:
Min 5 years’ experience in a PR or communications role.
Understanding of and interest in the life sciences industry essential.
Experience in a PR Consultancy, in house, in a university/charity or journalist environment.
University degree, preferably in a life sciences subject. PhD and past research experience a desirable extra.
English (fluent), other languages e.g. French, German, an advantage.
Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
Management/leadership skills an advantage
Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
Production of PowerPoint presentations to a professional level using templates.
Familiarity and competency in social media (e.g. Twitter and LinkedIn)
Competency in the use of wire services and news services

Personal Attributes:

A pro-active individual who shows initiative and takes responsibility for their own decisions
A well-presented communicator, both verbally and written.
Proven ability to build rapport with colleagues and stakeholders.
A team-player who can work flexibly within a team and will seek help when appropriate.
An individual that embraces change and is quickly able to adapt to team needs/demands and priorities to deliver to set/multiple deadlines.
An analytical problem-solver who is able to quickly and accurately identify key issues, will proactively support the team and has a passion for delivering communications in a business environment.
A well-organised planner who will follow rules and procedures when appropriate.
An engaged individual who demonstrates enthusiasm for keeping up to date with current affairs and the life sciences sector.
A professional individual with exceptional attention to detail.
Personal gravitas and standing to interact with clients and other advisors at C-suite level.

Our success is underpinned by our values:

Blaze a Trail – We push boundaries and set the pace within our industry;
Move Fast -We anticipate change and respond quickly;
Always Connect – We combine skills, experience and perspectives that unite people and organisations; and
Keep it real – We are open, fair and authentic, always listening and understanding before we respond.

With the recent changes to data protection laws Instinctif Partners Limited is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. To find out more about how we use your personal information and your rights please see our Application Fair Processing Notice.