Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications (Hybrid)

At 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. (“4DMT”), we boldly innovate to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines for countless patients. We are committed to breaking boundaries and daring to cure as we develop new and foundational products and product components through our growing technology platforms.

4DMT is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company harnessing the power of directed evolution for targeted genetic medicines. We seek to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using our platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution (TVE), which combines the power of directed evolution with our approximately one billion synthetic AAV capsid-derived sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in our products. We believe key features of our targeted and evolved vectors will help us create targeted product candidates with improved therapeutic profiles. These profiles will allow us to treat a broad range of large market diseases, unlike most current genetic medicines that generally focus on rare or small market diseases.  

We have built a deep portfolio of AVV-based gene therapy product candidates, with five product candidates in clinical trials: 4D-150 for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), 4D-710 for the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease, 4D-310 for the treatment of Fabry disease cardiomyopathy, 4D-125 for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), and 4D-110 for the treatment of choroideremia. In addition, we have two product candidates in preclinical studies: 4D-175 for geographic atrophy (GA) and 4D-725 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

To-date, we have demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept for three evolved vectors in three therapeutic areas and routes of administration with five products and patient populations. We believe this validates the power of our directed evolution platform for discovering superior vectors compared to wildtype viral vectors. We have built a robust and efficient product engine with 6 open Investigational New Drug Applications (INDs) in the U.S., 1 IND in Taiwan, and 1 Clinical Trial Approval (CTA) in Australia. We believe we are positioned to create, develop, manufacture and, if approved, effectively commercialize targeted genetic medicines that could transform the lives of patients suffering from debilitating diseases.

In addition to TVE, our technology includes a robust AAV manufacturing platform and onsite manufacturing facility that allows us to rapidly produce and test research grade material and scale up to GMP clinical material. This internal capability and close collaboration between our R&D and Manufacturing teams has greatly accelerated the pace of discovery at 4DMT.

Company Differentiators: 

•    Fully integrated clinical-phase company with internal manufacturing
•    Demonstrated ability to move rapidly from idea to IND
•    Five candidate products in the clinic and two declared pre-clinical programs
•    Robust technology and IP foundation, including our TVE and manufacturing platforms
•    Initial product safety and efficacy data substantiates the value of our platforms
•    Opportunities to expand to other indications and modalities within genetic medicine

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications will work closely with the Head of Corporate Finance, Investor Relations, and Corporate Communications and the Chief Financial & Business Officer to lead the planning, management, and execution of all Investor Relations and communications activities at the Company. This role will be critical in furthering 4DMT’s mission by conveying the Company’s vision, strategy, values to both internal and external communities.

The successful candidate will possess a keen business sense and strategic vision, a demonstrated track record of establishing relationships and credibility within the investment community and media, and proven critical and strategic thinking, while effectively utilizing data and analytics for decision making. They will also have the ability to establish close working relationships with internal stakeholders and Competitive Intelligence team to craft actionable strategic insights & establish communication strategy of internal priorities to the external community.

Experience in internal communications working closely with internal stakeholders is a plus.

*This is a hybrid role requiring in office work 1-3 days a week as needed. Bay Area candidates preferred.*

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Investor Relations: 40% of TIME

• Develop, integrate, and execute comprehensive Investor Relations strategies that align with the Company’s strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential investors; provide analysts and investors with accurate and timely information about the Company’s strategy
• Prepare executive team for investor events; may be required to accompany executive team at events
• Manage and oversee an active Investor Relations calendar, including the planning and execution of investor conferences, non-deal roadshows and other bank-sponsored events, company-sponsored KOL/R&D Day events, and investor calls
• Draft press releases, annual and quarterly reports, earnings call scripts and corporate presentations
• Routinely track and analyze Company and competitive sell-side analyst models and commentary, with routine engagement and input from the finance team; assess implications and make recommendations for communication and engagement
• Collaborate with senior cross-functional leaders across the organization to share market intelligence and stakeholder perceptions of the Company’s progress and performance; ensure investors and other stakeholders are represented in the formation and execution of program and portfolio strategy and communications
• Manage external agencies and vendors that are supporting Investor Relations activities
• Aid our effort in building the next generation of genetic medicine leaders by being a key part to our learning organization

External Corporate Communications: 40% of TIME

• Develop, integrate, and execute comprehensive Corporate Communications strategies
• Lead a strategic communications plan that advances business goals and resonates with key audiences externally and internally
• Collaborate and coordinate with other functions internally to develop aligned and authentic messaging
• Serve as primary person to handle incoming inquiries from the media
• Continue to evolve the communications strategy to align with changes to the business
• In partnership with executive leadership team, HR, and PR/IR firms, manage and further develop our social media strategy and website
• Work closely with communications teams from external parties (company, community, patient advocacy partnerships, etc.) when coordinating joint PR and social media efforts
• Manage external agencies and vendors that are supporting Corporate Communications activities

Internal Corporate Communications: 20% of TIME

• Work closely with key internal stakeholders to develop effective employee communications plans that strengthen employee value proposition, employee engagement, recruitment, and company culture
• Other duties as assigned, nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree; MBA or other advanced degree in a scientific area is preferred

Experience:

• 10+ years of combined Investor Relations & Corporate Communications experience in a rapidly growing, emerging technologies life sciences firm
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing a team

Skills:

• Investor Relations
• Expert in MS Power Point, Word, and Outlook
• Keen eye for creative design and refinement of public-facing materials
• Strong presentation & communication skills
• Ability to blend strategic and operational thinking
• Public & media relations
• Social media

Base salary compensation range: 

Outside of Bay Area candidates range: $180,000/yr - $234,000/yr

Bay Area based candidate range: $215,000/yr - $263,000/yr

Please note, the base salary compensation range and actual salary offered to the final candidate depends on various factors: candidate’s geographical location, relevant work experience, skills, and years of experience.

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities