Communications Partner - Bio

Founded in Silicon Valley in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz (aka a16z) is a venture capital firm that backs bold entrepreneurs building the future through technology. We are stage agnostic. We invest in seed to venture to growth-stage technology companies, across AI, bio + healthcare, consumer, crypto, enterprise, fintech, games, and companies building toward American dynamism. a16z has $100B+ under management across multiple funds.

We’ve established a team that is defined by respect for the entrepreneur and the company-building process; we know what it’s like to be in the founder’s shoes. We’ve invested in companies like Accolade, BigHat Biosciences, Cedar, Devoted Health, EQRx, Freenome, Insitro, Omada Health, and PatientPing. Our team is at the forefront of new technology, helping founders and their companies impact and change the world.

The Role

The a16z Bio + Health Fund is seeking a Communications Partner to join our team. This individual will play a pivotal role in amplifying the stories of our portfolio companies and shaping narratives around late-stage technology and its impact on the world. You’ll build and execute creative, forward-looking campaigns that leverage earned media (traditional media, podcasts, newsletters and more) in addition to partnering with the broader marketing team to execute across content, social, and events. 

This role is the best of both worlds for an experienced communications professional: you’ll have the ability to work with a world-class internal team while also helping to coach and execute the companies redefining the frontiers of medicine and healthcare. 

This role will be located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

To join our team, you should be excited to:

• Partner directly with our General Partners and investment team to define strategy and execute communications plans that drive their brand platforms forward while winning the attention and respect of leading founders and executives
• Be a trusted advisor for dozens of portfolio companies. You will be the expert coach they’ll turn to for brand marketing, media strategy, crisis management, internal communications, and more
• Develop and execute high-impact, creative communications campaigns across earned media, including top-tier press, trade publications, podcasts, and newsletters that matter to the bio and health ecosystem
• Maintain productive and positive relationships with media, content creators, and industry influencers to establish trust, surface key industry-shifting narratives and support our portfolio companies
• Proactively build strong industry networks and secure high quality brand-building opportunities for partners to write, speak, and lead key conversations
• Collaborate with the New Media team on broader brand strategy and initiatives, including media and marketing network dinners, portfolio workshops, and events

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate, executive, product, or crisis communications, with meaningful experience in biotech, pharma, or healthcare
• Deep, genuine familiarity with the bio and healthcare landscape: you understand the players, the narratives, the media, and the market dynamics that define this space, including the rhythms of clinical and regulatory milestones
• In-house and agency experience required
• Creative thinker who is able to grow influence and networks in novel ways
• Strong biotech, healthcare and national media relationships required. Experience leading and/or executing PR campaigns for high growth companies
• Proven experience navigating crisis situations and advising companies on complex, high-stakes communications
• Exceptional writer with the ability to translate complex technical concepts (clinical data, regulatory, etc) into clear, compelling narratives for a diverse range of audiences
• Ability to define a communications and media strategy and drive it through execution
• Proven track record of crafting high-quality brand-building initiatives from scratch
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams from idea through execution, and to persuade, influence, and build trust at the executive level
• Strong partnership skills, building trusted connections within the firm, within our portfolio, and with the industries in which we operate
• Self-starter who is resilient through change, with strong ability to context-shift, learn, and drive meaningful results
• Direct experience with entrepreneurs and deep respect for their journey. The right candidate is eager to coach and support founders at all stages with compassion and expertise
• Low ego, high empathy, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse teams

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $309,000 - $360,000, actual starting pay may vary based on a range of factors which can include experience, skills, and scope.

This role is eligible to participate in the a16z carry program and various discretionary bonus programs as well as benefit and perquisite plans including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K plan, vacation, and sick leave.