Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead’s RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.
Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.
Arrowhead’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.
The Position
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Director of Corporate Communications to drive corporate communications that elevate the company’s reputation and visibility while strategically supporting the launch of new products within the broader corporate narrative. Reporting directly to the SVP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, this individual will play a critical role in shaping Arrowhead’s corporate presence, developing and implementing communication strategies and tactics that advance our corporate image, highlight our science and innovation, and support upcoming commercial milestones.
We’re looking for a dynamic communicator and strategic storyteller who thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment and can translate complex scientific and business narratives into clear, engaging messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
This role is based in Pasadena, California, with an expectation to be in the office five days a week.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Execution - Design and deliver comprehensive communication strategies that advance Arrowhead’s corporate reputation and support key initiatives, including the launch of plozasiran and broader pipeline milestones.
- Corporate and Digital Presence - Lead the strategy, management, and evolution of Arrowhead’s global website and social media platforms to ensure consistent, impactful brand storytelling.
- Content Development - Craft high-quality written materials—including company narratives, executive communications, press releases, social content, op-eds, and presentations—that align with Arrowhead’s voice and objectives.
- Agency Oversight - Direct and collaborate with external communications partners to ensure the delivery of high-caliber, on-brand work that drives measurable impact.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner closely with Investor Relations, HR, Marketing, Medical, Legal, and other internal teams to align corporate messaging across all touchpoints.
- Operational Excellence - Support effective budget management and resource allocation for communications programs and agency engagements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
- 10 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications, public relations, or related fields—preferably within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry.
- Proven ability to develop and implement integrated communications strategies that advance corporate reputation and support business goals.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with experience crafting content for senior executives, media, and digital channels.
- Demonstrated success managing media outreach, developing press materials, and preparing leaders for interviews and speaking engagements.
- Strong understanding of corporate digital strategy, including website management, social media, and content optimization.
- Ability to effectively partner across departments such as Investor Relations, Marketing, Medical Affairs, and Legal to ensure alignment and compliance.
- Experience leading teams or agency partners, managing budgets, and delivering results under tight deadlines.
- Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations in healthcare communications, with sound judgment in sensitive or high-profile situations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- You may be required to travel approximately 10 -15%.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Communications, or related field).
- Experience developing corporate branding, thought leadership, and executive visibility programs.
- Demonstrated success supporting product launches or scientific communications in the life sciences sector.
- Background in crisis or issues management, with the ability to counsel senior leaders on reputation-sensitive topics.
- Familiarity with investor and financial communications, including message alignment between communications and IR functions.
- Understanding of global communications practices and experience managing multi-market campaigns.
- Passion for science-driven storytelling and an interest in Arrowhead’s mission to advance RNAi-based therapeutics.
Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
- 10 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications, public relations, or related fields
- Proven ability to develop and implement integrated communications strategies
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Demonstrated success managing media outreach and developing press materials
- Strong understanding of corporate digital strategy
- Ability to effectively partner across departments
- Experience leading teams or agency partners and managing budgets
- Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master's in Communications, or related field)
- Experience developing corporate branding, thought leadership, and executive visibility programs
- Familiarity with investor and financial communications
What We Do
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage, Nasdaq listed (ticker ARWR) company developing medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, our therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Our RNAi-based therapeutics are at the leading edge of genetic-based therapy with the potential to bring life changing treatments for patients. Our Targeted RNAi Molecule (TRiMTM) platform utilizes ligand-mediated delivery and is designed to enable tissue-specific targeting while being structurally simple. The TRiM platform builds on more than a decade of work on actively targeted drug delivery and offers several advantages including simplified manufacturing and reduced costs; multiple routes of administration; and potential for improved safety. Our employees are nimble, science-driven, and innovative professionals. A career at Arrowhead offers the opportunity to collaborate with top notch scientists to rapidly discover and develop RNAi-based therapeutics to add to our growing pipeline. Research and development activities are located in Madison, WI. Our R&D group includes fully-integrated capabilities for chemistry, biology, and toxicology. Madison is an exciting and sophisticated city that includes state government, the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin, and major research organizations. Our HQ, clinical and regulatory operations are located in Pasadena, CA. Just north of Los Angeles and resting in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is known for its natural scenic beauty, vibrant cultural and academic environment and rich architectural setting.
