Summary

The Director of Marketing at Vernal Biosciences will have the unique opportunity to lead and grow the marketing division of a well-funded, innovative mRNA Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and startup that’s passionate about democratizing mRNA R&D by making mRNA and related technologies readily available to more researchers and companies. Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial, this newly created role is instrumental to the growth of our 2-year-old company. We’re looking for a strategic and analytical leader who will increase awareness, engagement, and sales of our technology and manufacturing services. The ideal candidate will be result- and data-driven, creative, communicative, and eager to execute marketing activities initially while they grow our marketing function. It would be ideal if you are located within driving distance of our Burlington, Vermont headquarters so that you can work collaboratively on-site with our CEO and teams across several divisions.  

Responsibilities – First 60 Days

• Get to know our team, our unique position in the industry, our business goals, and our current sales and marketing objectives 
• Analyze, optimize, manage, and execute on existing tactics including PR, social media, email marketing, digital marketing, events, webinars, podcasts, SEO, content marketing, and more  
• Evaluate the effectiveness of our current tactics and recommend changes 
• Guide and collaborate with Vernal’s Marketing and Technical Sales Specialist to help them structure, execute, track, and report on campaigns and day-to-day activities  
• Establish a solid cadence of project management and reporting for all marketing efforts 
• Institute status meetings, campaign kickoff meetings, office hours, or other collaborative sessions as needed to move projects forward and to make colleagues and leadership aware of the progress marketing is making  
• Explore and implement best-in-class software and tools to support sales and marketing 
• Quickly identify and retain external agencies or freelance partners who can help you grow Vernal’s marketing function  
• Encourage all Vernal employees to help us amplify our messages on social media and beyond  

Responsibilities – By the End of 2023

• Create a realistic marketing strategy for Q4 and 2024, ideally built on prospect/customer insights. Incorporate our planned product releases and GMP manufacturing facility openings. Determine which tactics we should prioritize based on 2023 activities and metrics 
• Develop a cadence of thought leadership and press coverage through PR and content marketing 
• Help us build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with press, industry analysts, partners, and thought leaders  
• Plan budgets, recommend future marketing headcount, and set KPIs and goals for 2024  
• Compile updates and reports that we can share with our Board of Directors and Investors  

Competencies Include

• Excellent problem solving, communication, and organization skills are required
• Flexibility with changing priorities, ability to work well under pressure, and take on unfamiliar tasks is required
• Ability to clearly communicate with end users is required
• Ability to strategically plan, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously is required
• Strong work ethic with an ability to meet deadlines is required
• Some off-hours or evening work may be required

You’ll Be A Strong Candidate If You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field   
• Minimum of 5+ years of marketing experience  
• Specific knowledge relevant experience in life sciences, including mRNA technologies and CDMO is a plus  
• Experience building and managing marketing teams from the ground up within startups or existing companies  
• Superb managerial skills with a leader/coach mentality 
• Strong communication and writing skills with the ability to translate complex technologies into marketing messages, content, and campaigns that will attract and engage our target audiences  
• A result- and data-oriented mindset   
• Strong familiarity with the tools, technology, and data that are needed to manage projects and report on Sales and Marketing ROI (we currently use Salesforce and HubSpot) 
• Experience supporting a fast-moving Sales and Customer Success team 

How to Apply

If you feel that you are a great match for this position and want to make a difference in the exciting field of next-generation therapeutics, then reach out to us at [email protected] and be sure to include your resume and cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Diversity/Equal Opportunity

Vernal is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the value of diverse, multifaceted approaches towards innovation and aim to incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences. We strive to build a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work culture. 

At Vernal, you will offer knowledge-based solutions to help us address the growing demand for mRNA, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA, drug screening, and ultimately clinical supply of mRNA.  Together, we will create the most integrated solution for mRNA medicines R&D.  Vernal will become the only one-stop-shop for our clients’ and partners’ mRNA needs, from concept all the way to clinical trials.  As a startup, we are seeking adaptable, creative thinkers who can independently foresee gaps and opportunities and who take the initiative to solve problems with a sense of urgency.  We expect the work to be rewarding, fast-paced, and to offer ample opportunities to plan and create new solutions to help grow our business.  Vernal will pay a competitive salary with generous benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.  Although hiring level will depend on experience, we expect to grow with our employees and are interested in a variety of backgrounds.

Vernal Biosciences is located in Colchester, Vermont, adjacent to Burlington which is home of the University of Vermont and the UVM Medical Center.  Check out https://www.helloburlingtonvt.com/ for more information. The Burlington area, set on the shores of Lake Champlain, features the best of two worlds:

1. Multicultural hub with great schools, restaurants, breweries, shopping, arts, and an affordable cost of living
2. Gateway to the Green Mountains including world class hiking, camping, bicycling, and alpine and nordic skiing

Please contact [email protected] with CVs or for more information