Corporate Communications Lead

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organisations.

With our patients at the centre of all that we do, we help to accelerate the development of drugs and devices that save lives and improve quality of life.

Our people are our greatest strength, are at the core of our culture, and the driving force behind our success. ICON people have a mission to succeed and a passion that ensures what we do, we do well.

The Role:

In this position, you will join a growing marketing and communications team, and will have responsibility for driving awareness and consideration of ICON's overall business and key priorities through the external communications / public relations discipline.

What's in it for you?

We provide a strong benefits package that includes a comprehensive health plan, retirement plans, competitive pay, vacation, and an annual incentive plan to reward performance.

We have a friendly environment where you can be fully engaged, motivated and rewarded. As a professional services provider, our employees are our best asset and we encourage them to realize their potential within a performance culture that is demanding and exciting.

Responsibilities:

Responsible and accountable for the execution of all external communication activities, under the guidance of ICON's Sr. Director, Communication and Public Relations, including the following activities:

Communications and Public Relations

• Serve as ICON's media relations and media outreach lead, with responsibility for developing strategic and newsworthy story angles, pitches, and engagement techniques to drive media coverage of ICON's solutions, capabilities, differentiators, marketing initiatives and financial results

• Act as backup media contact to Sr. Director of Communications & PR for both proactive and reactive media relations initiatives

• Assist with crisis and issues communications organisational readiness including preparedness including preparation of crisis comms scenario planning, ensuring awareness and adherence to such communications procedures and internal lines of escalation

• Serve as a content provider for ICON's social media and web channels, focusing on delivery of news, insights and issues valuable to external audiences

• Collaborate with ICON creative services and other marketing team members to develop content appropriate for external audiences in order to enhance brand storytelling and advance ICON thought leadership

• Collaborate with PR/media agencies on outsourced earned media and integrated media initiatives, particularly media outreach, message development and media monitoring / reporting tracking

• Develop a broad understanding of competitive and industry trends, insights and business models, so as to provide counsel to internal stakeholders on what activities will achieve PR objectives and to incorporate information into strategic plans

• Collaborate with Internal Communications team to ensure that internal audiences are aware of ICON external announcements, including brand and marketing campaigns, corporate sponsorships, CSR initiatives, etc., and they are highlighted in appropriate internal channels

• Work with the Sr. Director, Communications & PR, to manage vendors, agencies and team budgets

• Continually evaluate new and better methods to improve external communications process and activities to better support business objectives and engage key audiences

• Ad hoc communications support as requested by ICON executive leaders, VP of Marketing and Sr. Director of Communications & PR

Corporate / Public Affairs

• Develop and execute a plan to drive engagement with key industry and business associations, while also ensuring support and participation from company executives and leaders

• Track ICON's engagement with government representatives and agencies, ensuring requests are triaged appropriately and engagement plans are created between ICON's executive team and key government representatives

Skills and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or its international equivalent in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a similarly related area of study; or equivalent work experience required

• At least 8-10 years of experience as a public relations and communications manager or leader, with a demonstrated track record of working at a mid- or senior level

• Preferred working in a corporate or matrixed team structure

• Significant experience with media relations and an understanding of external communications strategy development and best practices for message development, channel strategy and tactical deployment

• Preferred experience working with government officials, industry analysts and / or trade associations in a Corporate Affairs role

• Understanding of corporate services functions including human resources, investor relations / finance, legal, IT and risk management

• Basic understanding of the creative process and how to work with strategists, designers, copywriters, content specialists and web developers

• Efficacy working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

• Excellent writing skills - both technical and creative/promotional proficiency

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills

• Diplomacy and judgement to interact effectively with journalists and other external media

• Ability to manage multiple (and sometimes competing) demands and priorities

• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to integrated communications and marketing

• Self-driven and motivated with the ability to be proactive, creative and agile

Benefits of Working in ICON:

Our success depends on the knowledge, capabilities and quality of our people. That's why we are committed to developing our employees in a continuous learning culture - one where we challenge you with engaging work and where every experience adds to your professional development.

At ICON, our focus is to provide you with a comprehensive and competitive total reward package that comprises, not only an excellent level of base pay, but also a wide range of variable pay and recognition programs. In addition, our best in class employee benefits, supportive policies and wellbeing initiatives are tailored to support you and your family at all stages of your career - both now, and into the future.

ICON, including subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know through the form below.