Communications AD​/Director

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 Linked In 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…