Today, FKH has approximately 60 clients from the government, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, biotech, non-profit, and academic sectors.  The firm is once again breaking new ground, positioned at the intersection where disruptive technologies and ideas affect business models, public policy, and public opinion for the life science sector. 

We are currently seeking a Vice President for our Life Sciences practice in Washington, DC.  This individual will provide day-to-day communications support to a major national bioinformatics initiative, as well as manage projects, oversee budgets, research and write materials to support various DC-based client organizations.  FKH sees opportunity for helping the major national initiative to fulfill its full potential to link the entire cancer community in an interoperable infrastructure.  We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Vice President level professional in the DC region to take on these responsibilities.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1.    Provide counsel, planning, and execution to clients on a broad range of communications tools, including creation and production of websites; major media outreach programs; a wide array of writing assignments, etc.

2.    Provide in-depth knowledge of the life science/molecular medicine space, private and public sectors, as well as a deep understanding of public health implications of that science

3.    Produce thoughtful, accurate, and compelling content for various communications materials

4.    Oversee and manage communications efforts for clients including such things as:  managing and contributing to the development of websites and other interactive and print communications vehicles; developing strategies for conference placement and media outreach; work directly with client teams at all levels to determine appropriate communications strategies and tactics and recommend campaigns and programs that support those needs.

5.    Develop and manage budgets

6.    Manage client teams to ensure that client needs are met with the highest quality, on time and on budget

7.    Play an active role in the development of junior staff through guiding training programs, mentoring, etc.

Attributes:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate all of the following attributes:

• High degree of personal integrity, candor

·         Proficiency in the management of client relationships, including the implementation of tangible work and the delivery of the "intangible" of being a trusted partner

·         Strong interpersonal and client relationship skills

·         Strong leadership skills and client counseling capabilities

·         Consummate team player:  self-directed and motivated, but operates well in virtual teams

·         Clear and engaging writing style and excellent writing/editing skills

·         Sense of humor and strong desire to learn new concepts and skills

·         Flexibility to thrive in dynamic circumstances

·         Some level of budgeting and project management experience

Required Skills, Knowledge, Must Haves, and Experience of the "A" Player:

• 10+ years of significant experience in public relations/communications in the Life Sciences, and/or Bioinformatics/Health IT
• Experience working with at least 1 or more of the 3 key sectors: government, commercial entities, and member/constituent-driven organizations
• Experience with websites and digital communications, Web 2.0 experience a plus
• Knowledge of, and passion for information technology especially as it applies to life sciences
• Strong writing skills, with experience developing coordinated messaging for multiple Client audiences in multiple medium.
  Excellent verbal communication skills as well as strong presentation skills
• Strong people management and mentoring skills
• Experience managing client relationships and working with a broad range of clients, including private sector and public sector
• Strong acumen for financial management:  Ability to plan and manage budgets
• Ability to multi-task effectively and maintain excellent organization

Education (degrees, technical training, etc.):

• B.A./B.S required
• MS/MBA a plus

Technical Expertise (systems, sciences, technologies, etc.):

• Facile with MS Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Websites and digital communications including Web 2.0 experience a plus

Work Conditions (Travel requirements, etc.):

·         10 - 20% travel.  Local travel around DC, Bethesda and Rockville, as well as distance travel as needed for conferences, etc.

Primary Contacts (Key working relationships required to effectively complete the position responsibilities -excluding direct reports):

• FKH Team in all offices