Communications Associate Director/Director

About RTW Institute 

The RTW Institute is a policy research organization dedicated to strengthening systems that turn scientific discoveries into accessible, life-saving medicines. We work at the intersection of medical innovation, health policy, and patient outcomes to advance solutions that support both innovation and affordability. The RTW Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that operates within the RTW Investments, LP group in a research and policy capacity.

Role Description and Responsibilities

We are seeking a strategic communications leader to serve as the public voice and content engine of the RTW Institute. This is a high-ownership role for a communications professional who combines strong editorial judgment with hands-on execution; someone equally comfortable shaping long-form policy messaging and managing a rapid-response social post.

This person will build and own the Institute's external communications function, working closely with the CEO and research team to amplify the Institute's work across policy, media, and public education channels. Over time, this role is expected to evolve into a senior communications leadership position as the Institute grows.

This is a role suited to someone who has already built and run communications functions at a high level. The Institute’s external credibility depends directly on the quality, speed, and reach of this person’s work.

Communications Strategy & Brand

• Own and evolve the Institute's communications strategy from channel mix and editorial positioning to tone, voice, and audience targeting
• Develop and refine the Institute's public narrative, ensuring consistency across all external-facing content and alignment with RTW Investments' broader brand
• Lead rapid-response communications on emerging policy developments, FDA decisions, and legislative activity, positioning the Institute as a first and credible voice; speed and precision on policy response is a core function of this role, representing approximately half of total output
• Collaborate with RTW Investments' communications team to ensure alignment of messaging and co-amplification opportunities
• Drive executive thought leadership for the CEO and senior Institute staff including developing speaking points, op-ed positioning, conference submissions, and LinkedIn content that builds individual profiles and amplifies the Institute’s authority
• Lead external stakeholder and coalition communications including coordinating messaging with partner organizations, patient advocacy groups, and policy coalitions to ensure the Institute’s voice is represented consistently across collaborative efforts

Content Development & Editorial

• Lead content production across all Institute platforms including policy explainers, op-eds, blog posts, fact sheets, white papers, newsletters, and social media
• Translate complex health policy and regulatory issues into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences including policymakers, investors, patient advocates, and the general public
• Manage the editorial content calendar, including production milestones, contributor assignments, and review processes
• Develop and maintain internal SOPs for content review, approval, and amplification workflows

Media & External Relations

• Serve as the Institute’s primary media relations lead, leveraging established journalist relationships across national, financial, and healthcare outlets to drive earned coverage; understand what each outlet needs and tailor pitches and story angles accordingly
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and prepared statements for Institute events, publications, and announcements
• Lead media preparation for the CEO and senior Institute staff including messaging guidance, on-camera coaching, and briefing materials; develop deep familiarity with the CEO’s voice, perspective, and the RTW ecosystem to represent it with precision and care across all channels
• Define and execute a multi-channel outlet strategy including determining the right mix of national press, financial media, healthcare trade outlets, video, and social platforms for each piece of content, and positioning the same story differently depending on the audience and publication

Digital Platforms & Digital Media

• Own and manage all Institute digital properties including website content, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Instagram
• Oversee the Institute’s video content program and set creative direction, managing external production vendors, and ensuring output meets brand and quality standards
• Own the Institute’s visual identity standards across digital and print channels; brief and review design work produced by the team or external vendors to ensure consistency and quality
• Track, analyze, and report on performance metrics across platforms; iterate on content and distribution strategies accordingly

Publications & Signature Products

• Project-manage the Institute's annual report including design, editing, stakeholder input, production, and dissemination
• Set the editorial direction and content strategy for monthly Institute newsletters; oversee production and ensure distribution reaches the right audiences through properly segmented channels
• Develop distribution strategies for policy white papers, reports, and thought leadership content across the Institute's pillar areas
• Own the Institute website strategy and content architecture to ensure the site reflects the Institute’s positioning and research output

Team & Vendor Coordination

• Manage relationships with external vendors (writers, designers, videographers, PR support) to deliver high-quality work on time and on brand

Role Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for a senior communications leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution and is deeply passionate about the RTW Institute’s mission. The ideal candidate brings established expertise in policy or healthcare communications, strong existing media relationships, and the drive to build and own a high-profile public communications function from the ground up.

• 8 – 10+ years of progressive communications experience with a background in health policy, biopharma, think tank, non-profit, or science/policy journalism strongly preferred
• Exceptional writing, editing, and editorial judgment with the ability to produce content independently and refine the work of others across a range of formats and audiences
• Established relationships with journalists and editors at national, financial, and healthcare outlets (e.g. NYT, WSJ, CNBC, Financial Times, Endpoints Health) and a demonstrated track record of securing meaningful earned media placements without paid placement support
• Fluency with digital platforms, email marketing tools, and content management systems with the ability to own strategy, interpret performance data, and directly oversee and execute
• Ability to direct and oversee visual and multimedia content production including graphic design, video, and digital assets with sufficient fluency to brief vendors, give clear creative feedback, and maintain brand standards
• Ability to operate independently in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities and tight timelines
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Experience managing external vendors and coordinating across internal stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, public health, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred

Salary & Benefits

The base salary for this New York-based position ranges from $200,000 - $250,000 depending on experience, skills, and responsibilities. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and the level at which the role is hired. In addition to the base salary, the role includes a discretionary incentive compensation program, and a full benefits package, including medical and life insurance, retirement plans, tax-free savings options, and access to other healthcare programs.