Director, Corporate Communications

Position Summary:

At Apellis, we are committed to developing life-changing medicines for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. As a leader in complement science, we introduced the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years—and now stand on the cusp of our third potential approval in just four years. With a pipeline of innovative therapies, we believe we have only begun to unlock the full potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases. Our company is built by people who care deeply, embrace challenges fearlessly, and are passionate about the work they do.

Apellis is seeking a Director of Corporate Communications to lead the development and execution of the company’s external and internal communications. This individual will play a critical role in enhancing Apellis’ corporate reputation, fostering employee engagement, and bringing the company’s unique story and culture to life across audiences.

As Apellis approaches its third potential approval in just four years, we are at a pivotal moment to further establish ourselves as a leader in the biopharma industry. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape our voice and narrative across audiences, channels, and milestones—while serving as a trusted advisor to colleagues including our executive committee. The ideal candidate will bring an entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative approach, and track record of delivering impactful communications.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and execute an integrated external communications plan—including content creation, thought leadership, and media relations—to elevate Apellis’ profile as a leading biotech company and build understanding of complement science, in partnership with our PR agency.
• Evolve Apellis’ corporate narrative to highlight our groundbreaking achievements and generate excitement about our innovative pipeline.
• Lead employee communications to drive engagement, support key milestones, and advance our culture.
• Create impactful content, including press releases, Q&As, executive communications, and videos.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and cross-functional colleagues. 
• Partner with senior leaders to shape and amplify a thought leadership platform.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and manage agency partners, ensuring high-quality execution and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Support product communications, as well as crisis and issues management, as needed.
• Track, measure, and analyze the impact of communications programs.

Experience & skills:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications within the biopharmaceutical industry, with a strong foundation in media relations, executive visibility, and employee communications.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing communications plans that elevate corporate reputation and drive employee engagement.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts.
• Skilled in providing strategic counsel to senior executives and influencing colleagues at all levels of the organization.

• Strong project management skills, with experience leading multiple initiatives and delivering on deadline.

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• In-depth knowledge of media and PR best practices in the biopharma space, with experience managing and protecting corporate brand integrity.
• Deep understanding of communication regulations for publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies.
• Experience establishing or managing corporate philanthropy programs is a plus.

• Creative and detail-oriented self-starter with a highly collaborative and proactive approach.
• Agile and resilient, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous personal and professional growth.

Travel Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 15% of the time

Benefits and Perks:

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more! Visit https://apellis.com/careers/benefits/ to learn more.
Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.