Sr. Manager, Policy Communications

The Opportunity

The Policy Communications team within Genentech’s Corporate Communications department is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Manager to drive strategic communications for emerging policy issues and elevate our organization’s thought leadership among external stakeholders. The role will lead communications, issues management and execution connected to Genentech’s manufacturing footprint, capital investments, and economic development priorities.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted partner capable of collaborating across a global matrixed organization on communications for high-visibility, high-impact events and strategic initiatives. We are looking for an individual with specialized policy and public affairs expertise, a proactive mindset, and a proven track record of navigating complex political and media landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Work across teams to spearhead proactive policy communications, digital advocacy, and earned media campaigns for emerging issues at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Content Architecture: Design and maintain a suite of high-impact communications materials, including core messaging frameworks, infographics, one-pagers, and dynamic digital content.

• Digital Thought Leadership: Design and execute an ongoing content and editorial strategy for Genentech-owned channels to increase external visibility and showcase leadership on differentiating policy topics.

• Capital & Infrastructure Communications: Lead communications for Genentech's portfolio of capital investments and expansions, executing communications for high-visibility milestones and events (e.g., ribbon-cuttings, manufacturing announcements) and VIP executive site visits.

• Economic Impact Storytelling: Drive narrative-driven storytelling around Genentech’s regional innovation and economic investment and impact, managing targeted media relations with key local and regional reporters.

• California Home-State Strategy: Support the execution of a highly coordinated policy communications strategy for California, including for a major headquarters campus expansion underway in South San Francisco.

• Internal & Community Engagement: Manage internal and community-facing communications, including the development of internal updates, newsletters, events, and activations.

• Compliance: Ensure strict alignment and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Genentech policies.

• Travel: Travel as required to support executive engagements and business priorities.

Who you are

• You have a Bachelor’s degree.

• You have 8+ years of professional communications experience,

• You have at least 6 years dedicated to policy communications, public affairs, or political campaigns.

• Demonstrated understanding of the U.S. healthcare policy and/or political landscape, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and legislative topics into compelling, accessible narratives.

• Experience leveraging digital platforms to advance policy priorities and elevate thought leadership.

• A proven track record of designing and executing high-impact communication strategies in collaboration with diverse, cross-functional internal and external teams.

• Hands-on experience leading communications for major corporate or political milestones, including on-the-ground event execution and direct, proactive engagement with reporters.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills under tight deadlines, with a forward-thinking ability to leverage AI and digital tools to drive efficiency and support a best-in-class communications function.

• Experience managing external communications agencies, vendor contracts, and complex project budgets simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.

• Proven track record in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or another highly regulated sector. Experience within a trade association or communications agency is highly desirable.

• Experience managing sustainability and economic development issues is a plus.

• Experience driving and advancing strategic communications within a complex, global organization.

• Exceptional skills in launching and managing complex, large-scale, cross-functional initiatives involving both internal and exte