Vice President, Communications

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Communications to lead the company's global communications function and help shape the external narrative of one of the most innovative companies in obesity and metabolic disease. This executive will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that advances Kailera's corporate reputation, supports business objectives, and strengthens engagement with key stakeholders.

The Vice President will oversee all aspects of corporate, product, pipeline, executive, and internal communications, ensuring a consistent and compelling narrative across the company. This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and work closely with leaders across research, development, medical affairs, commercial, investor relations, patient advocacy, public policy, legal and people & culture to align communications with corporate priorities. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, exceptional communications judgment, strong leadership capabilities, and deep biotechnology industry expertise. This individual will be equally comfortable advising executives in high-stakes situations, developing long-term communications strategy, and ensuring flawless execution across multiple communications channels.

At Kailera, you will have the opportunity to build and lead a best-in-class communications organization that reflects the company's ambition to transform the future of obesity care.

Responsibilities:

Develop and lead Kailera's integrated communications strategy, encompassing corporate communications, product and pipeline communications, executive communications, internal communications, digital communications, and media relations

Partner closely with the executive leadership team to develop and articulate Kailera's corporate narrative, ensuring consistency across all external and internal stakeholder audiences

Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO, executive team, and other senior leaders, providing counsel on positioning, messaging, thought leadership, media engagement, and reputation management

Lead communications planning and execution for major corporate milestones, including clinical data presentations, regulatory events, business development activities, scientific congresses, financing activities, and other significant corporate announcements

Develop and execute integrated product and pipeline communications strategies that support Kailera's development portfolio and future commercial objectives

Lead corporate reputation management efforts, including issues preparedness, crisis communications planning, and rapid response communications

Oversee media relations strategy, cultivate relationships with key journalists and influencers, and proactively position Kailera as a leading voice in obesity and metabolic disease

Lead executive communications programs, including keynote presentations, external speaking engagements, thought leadership initiatives, and strategic messaging

Direct internal communications programs that strengthen employee engagement, reinforce company culture, and align employees around corporate priorities

Oversee Kailera's digital communications ecosystem, including corporate websites, social media channels, and other emerging communications platforms

Establish and monitor communications objectives, metrics, and analytics to assess impact and continuously improve performance

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing communications team and manage external communications agencies and consultants

Collaborate with Legal, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Medical Affairs teams to ensure communications activities are accurate, compliant, and strategically effective

Required Qualifications:

15+ years of progressive communications leadership experience within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences organizations, including significant experience leading corporate and product communications functions

Demonstrated success developing and executing communications strategies that support corporate reputation, pipeline advancement, and business objectives

Experience serving as a trusted advisor to CEOs and senior executive teams

Deep understanding of the biotechnology industry, drug development process, regulatory environment and healthcare stakeholder landscape

Proven experience managing high-profile communications initiatives, issues management situations, and corporate reputation challenges

Strong media relations experience with an established network of healthcare, biotechnology, and business media relationships

Experience leading and developing high-performing communications teams and managing external agency partners

Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific and business information into compelling narratives

Strong executive presence, business judgment, and strategic thinking capabilities

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and balance strategic leadership with operational excellence

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business, or a related field

Salary Range $272,000 — $340,000 USD

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

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