Shape the external voice of one of Australia’s most innovative biotechnology companies

Vaxxas is a high-growth biotechnology company transforming vaccine delivery through its proprietary High Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) technology. As we continue to expand our global profile and stakeholder engagement, we are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Director – External Relations to lead our government relations, industry engagement and external communications activities.

Reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, this role provides a unique opportunity to influence how Vaxxas engages with governments, industry bodies, global health organisations, investors and key external stakeholders. 

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring someone who can confidently represent the organisation externally, build trusted relationships, navigate complex stakeholder environments and translate sophisticated scientific concepts into compelling and accessible narratives.

About The Role

As the Director – External Relations, you will lead the development and execution of Vaxxas’ external engagement strategy across government, industry and communications functions, while supporting investor-facing activities and broader corporate communications initiatives. 

This role is suited to a seasoned Corporate Affairs, Government Relations or Public Affairs professional who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels, building trusted relationships, identifying opportunities and helping shape organisational reputation and influence.

Key Responsibilities:

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government stakeholders and key policy influencers in Australia, the US and globally.
• Represent Vaxxas across government, industry and health policy forums.
• Monitor policy, funding and stakeholder developments relevant to the biotechnology and healthcare sectors and provide strategic advice to leadership.

Industry Relations & Advocacy

• Lead Vaxxas’ engagement with key industry associations, conferences and stakeholder networks.
• Strengthen the organisation’s visibility and influence across the biotechnology, medtech and health innovation sectors.

External Communications

• Develop and execute external communications strategies that support business priorities and enhance corporate reputation.
• Oversee external messaging across government, industry and investor audiences.
• Support media engagement and reputation management activities.

Investor Relations Support

• Maintain investor materials and data rooms.
• Coordinate shareholder communications between capital raises.
• Support executive leadership during investor engagement activities.

About You:

You are an experienced External Affairs professional with a proven track record of building relationships, influencing stakeholders and operating effectively in complex, highly regulated environments.

Essential

• Significant experience within Corporate Affairs, Government Relations, Public Affairs, External Relations or Stakeholder Engagement.
• Experience within biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medtech, life sciences or another highly regulated sector, highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic communications or engagement programs.
• Ability to confidently represent an organisation externally and influence diverse audiences.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills. 

Desirable

• Experience engaging with health, innovation or biotechnology-focused government portfolios.
• Exposure to investor communications or capital raising environments.
• Familiarity with global health, vaccine, biodefence or pandemic preparedness organisations and policy settings.

What Success Looks Like:

You will become a trusted and credible representative of Vaxxas, building strong relationships across government, industry and external stakeholder communities while helping communicate the company’s vision, achievements and future opportunities.

Learn more at www.vaxxas.com