Site Communications and External Affairs Lead

Genentech; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech in Holly Springs, NC seeks a Site Communications & External Affairs Lead to drive end-to-end communication strategy for external stakeholders and internal teams. You will partner with site leadership and Genentech external affairs to protect and enhance the brand while fostering an engaged workplace culture.

This role collaborates with corporate teams to deploy a strategic external partnership roadmap, shaping Genentech’s culture and brand in North Carolina.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline required.
• Experience establishing feedback loops using external partner and employee insights.
• Ability to communicate complex topics to varied audiences and healthcare knowledge.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with executive communications for high-visibility events.
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into clear employee messaging and narratives.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute integrated communications strategies to elevate brand visibility and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with site leadership and external affairs teams as official site spokesperson for external media.
• Develop internal communications to keep employees informed and aligned with company goals.
• Create programs with People & Culture to boost morale and workplace culture.
• Represent the organization in public forums, coalitions, and community outreach.

Skills

Crisis management

Executive communications

Stakeholder engagement

Written storytelling

Strategic thinking

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline

Master’s degree in Strategic Communications, PR, or Organizational Communications

Job description

The Position

Welcome to Holly Springs, North Carolina— home to Roche/Genentech's largest-ever investment: a $2B greenfield start-up where next-generation technology, high-performing teams and Operational Excellence converge to create the global standard for high-volume, highly-efficient Drug Product manufacturing.

The facility's core is defined by Innovation - leveraging advanced automation, robotics, digital tools, real-time data analytics, and simple, streamlined processes to produce the highest quality medicines. This plant meets today’s demand for CVRM (Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism) medicines and is scalable to grow with the portfolio, which focuses on next-generation metabolic medicines specifically targeting the global obesity epidemic and Type 2 diabetes. This is a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a high-level of accountability, with planned launch in 2028.

Are you a problem-solver and change-agent who thrives in a Team environment, eager to tackle the most complex manufacturing challenges? If so, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch a state-of-the-art facility from the ground-up and shape the culture of our organization for the next generation.

Join us in Holly Springs, where you won't just build a plant—you will build the future of medicine.

The Opportunity

As the Site Communications & External Affairs Lead, you will drive the end-to-end communication strategy for both external stakeholders and internal employees. Serving as a key strategic partner to site leadership and Genentech external affairs/public relations teams, you will help to protect and enhance the company's brand externally while fostering an informed, aligned, and highly engaged workplace culture internally. Further, you will collaborate with corporate teams to develop and deploy a strategic, external partnership roadmap for the Holly Springs site to bolster and spread the Genentech culture and brand in North Carolina.

Strategic Public Relations & Media Relations

• You will design and execute integrated communications strategies to elevate brand visibility, market positioning, and executive thought leadership.
• You will collaborate with above-site partners and local site leadership to align messaging, serving as the official site spokesperson while equipping leaders for external media, keynote, and panel appearances
• You will build and maintain ongoing relationships with Genentech external affairs teams to represent the site in national, state and local communities.

Internal Communications & Colleague Engagement

• You will develop and manage an integrated internal communications strategy that keeps employees informed, aligned, and connected to company mission and goals.
• You will partner with People & Culture teams to design initiatives, town halls, and campaigns that boost colleague morale, retention, and workplace culture.
• You will manage key internal channels, including all-hands meetings, company intranet posts, internal newsletters, and employee messaging platforms.
• You will craft clear executive messages for internal organizational changes, business updates, leadership announcements, and strategic pivots.

Public Affairs & Stakeholder Relations

• You will represent the organization in public forums, industry coalitions, and community outreach efforts.
• You will coordinate corporate sponsorships, community and educational institution partnerships, and employee volunteer campaigns.

Crisis Communications & Issues Management

• You will ensure full integration between the site communications plan and enterprise crisis management frameworks, working in close collaboration with site partners to execute
• You will mitigate reputational risks by ensuring clear, aligned messaging during high-stakes situations
• You will monitor media trends and internal employee sentiment to proactively address potential concerns.

Who you are:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience
• Experience establishing feedback loops, using external partner and employee insights and applying communications metrics to inform strategy and continuous improvement
• You have experience and demonstrated skill in communicating complex topics and concepts to audiences of varying knowledge, and have a broad understanding of the healthcare environment.
• You have a proven ability to support senior leaders and develop executive communications for high-visibility events
• You have proven experience translating business strategies into engaging employee messaging and executive communications.
• You have experience and demonstrated skill in communicating complex topics and concepts to audiences of varying knowledge, and have a broad understanding of the healthcare environment.
• You are an exceptional written, verbal, and visual storytelling capabilities across varying levels of the organization and diverse audiences
• You have a proven track record in developing clear, compelling, and concise messaging and narratives to engage with non-traditional stakeholders, including the general public.
• You have demonstrated crisis management capabilities across both external PR and internal workforce communications.
• You are a strategic thinker, excellent at understanding complex topics and sensing trends and developments with relevant stakeholder groups
• You are also: (1) Collaborative, team-oriented with the ability to work successfully in ambiguous situations, and navigate uncertainty. (2) Someone with extra attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• You have a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications, PR, or Organizational Communications.
• You have experience navigating change management strategies at various levels.
• You have established relationships across major business, education, and local government/media outlets.
• You have pharmaceutical/biotech industry and/or medical/scientific communications experience is highly desirable.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location for this position of Hillsboro, OR is $120,000 - $224,000 . Actual pay will be determined based on experience, level, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits

Link to Roche/Genentech Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.