Global Director, Science Communications & Engagement

Job Description

Job Description:

Global Director - Science, Communications & Engagement

Based: Waltham, Leicestershire

The new Mars Petcare Division, Science & Diagnostics, is looking for an experienced corporate communicator to help us engage with key audiences about advances in science, data and technology.

Through the science and expertise at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and across Mars Petcare, we aim to be a global scientific leader, shaping the future of the pet care industry in pet nutrition, healthspan, human-animal bond and longitudinal studies including the Mars Petcare Biobank.

The position will lead the execution of communications strategies that help our global internal and external audiences understand how our science delivers on our purpose and why that matters to them.

The person in this position also acts as the site communications head for the Waltham Petcare Science Institute presence in the U.K. They will work closely with Waltham leadership team to create and implement internal and external communications strategies as relevant for local Associates and external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Streamline the scientific themes/programmes focused on the Mars Petcare purpose and amplify the science stories/narrative appropriately and strategically, to drive behaviour change. The aim is to drive multiple business critical activations across internal and external audiences to bring to life the science that supports:

  Building our reputation as a science-based organisation seeking to improve pet’s lives based on scientific evidence, and through data and technology. Also, the positive impact pets make on society, bringing to life evidence in support the rationale for why making the world a better place for pets is a worthwhile pursuit.

• Take part in developing annual communication strategies and execute them in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs teams across Science & Diagnostics and Mars Petcare.

• Develop science content and materials/adapt global materials (e.g., press releases, statements, talking points, Q&As, fact sheets, internal slides, etc.) and manage the internal review process and oversee media and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead and manage science media & advocacy relations as well as prepare relevant spokespeople as subject matter experts to engage with media and key external stakeholders.

• Monitor and manage issues that could impact success or company reputation.

• Integrate communications efforts with cross-functional teams such as Government and Public Affairs, Commercial/Marketing, Scientific Affairs, and Welfare, Regulatory and Legal to ensure strategic, consistent, and effective communications on key topics/issues/initiatives.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant and relevant experience in in-house and/or agency communications in a health care setting.

• Public Relations/Communication Degree; or Science-related Degree

• Robust media relations experience.

• Experience in leading successful strategy and outputs for content for digital and social media.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven track record of working successfully with both executives and subject matter experts.

• Outstanding writing, oral and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge and experience in scientific publications and congresses.

• Experience in managing internal cross-company and external strategic alliances.

• Desire to be part of a team that is building a better world for pets.

• Fluency in English.

Important characteristics/experience:

• Experience working with global teams.

• Flexible, agile and quick thinking

• Able to work within a layered and decentralized business

• Able to synthesize multiple levels of information and translate into relevant and targeted communications

• Highly motivated, organized, self-starter with a demonstrated track record of achievement.

• Comfort around ambiguity and ability to influence without authority

• Ability to be agile and flexible with changing needs of the business and team

• Great at developing new relationships, driving positive change, and highly innovative

About Mars Petcare:

At Mars Petcare we have one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™. Through comprehensive veterinary care, nutrition, breakthrough programes in diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, DNA testing and pet welfare we help pets in more than 130 countries. For decades we’ve supported research into the incredible science of human animal interaction at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute where scientists discover important advances in pet health and wellness. Mars Petcare is part of Mars, Incorporated, a global, family-owned business with a focus on becoming Sustainable in a Generation, reflective of the many pets and communities we serve. Follow us on LinkedIn

What can you expect from Mars Petcare?

• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.

• An industry competitive compensation package including generous benefits

• Commitment to our Purpose and our Five Principles.

• An inclusive environment where Associates feel valued, supported and comfortable being themselves at work.

• The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.