VP, Corporate Communications

Description:

Sionna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to revolutionize the current treatment paradigm for CF by developing novel medicines that normalize the function of the CFTR protein. Sionna’s goal is to deliver differentiated medicines for people living with CF that can restore their CFTR function to as close to normal as possible by directly stabilizing CFTR’s nucleotide-binding domain 1 (NBD1), which the company believes is central to potentially unlocking meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life for people with CF. Leveraging over a decade of the co-founders’ extensive research on NBD1, the company is advancing a pipeline of novel small molecules engineered to correct the defects caused by the F508del genetic mutation, which resides in NBD1. Sionna is also developing a portfolio of complementary CFTR modulators that are designed to work synergistically with its NBD1 stabilizers to improve CFTR function.

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Corporate Communications will be responsible for shaping, leading, and executing the company’s communications strategy to support Sionna’s corporate vision, scientific progress, and business objectives. This role will lead external and internal communications, including media relations, employee communications, and corporate positioning. Reporting to the CFO, this role will serve as strategic leader on communications matters, ensuring alignment across key audiences including employees, investors, media, patients, partners, and the broader scientific community.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate communications strategy and narrative that reflects Sionna’s vision, clinical progress, corporate strategy, and culture.
• Lead media relations strategy and build strong relationships with trade, business, and scientific journalists.
• Partner with investor relations to lead material development for corporate announcements including R&D milestones, regulatory updates, and corporate developments.
• Create and implement internal communications strategies that engage employees, reinforce culture, and support organizational change.
• Partner with HR to drive employee communications strategy and engagement.
• Define and strengthen the company’s brand, ensuring consistent messaging across digital platforms, conferences, events, and publications.
• Lead development of executive visibility programs including thought leadership, keynote speaking, and media commentary.
• Oversee digital presence and strategy including website and social media.
• Manage external agencies and vendors to extend communications reach and capabilities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure consistent messaging to key stakeholders including employees, investors, media, scientific and patient communities.

Requirements:

• 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications in biotechnology or the broader life sciences industry.
• Proven experience leading both internal and external communications, including digital and social strategy and media relations.
• Track record of success partnering closely with senior leadership and investor relations in a public company environment.
• Experience supporting communications for clinical data readouts, scientific conferences, and regulatory milestones.
• Ability to translate complex science and data into compelling and accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive mindset and the ability to operate both at a high level and be hands-on.
• Experience working in an agile, collaborative, and science-driven environment.
• Prior experience managing vendors and agencies; budget management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience coaching senior leaders on communications best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in communications, journalism, or life sciences a plus.