📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Communications
🔹 Company: Sword Health
🔹 Location: Remote (Porto, Portugal)
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (US, Portugal)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading Sword Health’s global communications strategy
- Managing external communications, including media relations and crisis communications
- Elevating executive profiles through speaking engagements, awards, and interviews
- Creating and implementing internal communications programs
- Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure message consistency and alignment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Build and own Sword Health’s global communications strategy across earned, owned, and shared channels
✅ Lead all external communications efforts, including media relations, press releases, and proactive storytelling
✅ Manage crisis communications and sensitive reputational issues, providing executive counsel and strategic direction
✅ Partner closely with executive leadership to craft and elevate their public profiles
✅ Develop internal communications programs that inspire and align employees around Sword Health’s mission and values
✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Brand, Product, Legal, and People teams to ensure message consistency and alignment
✅ Manage PR agency partners and other external vendors, ensuring results are aligned with business goals
✅ Measure and report on communications effectiveness and brand perception
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of various communication channels, exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: 8+ years of experience in communications, including experience leading global communications for high-growth technology or healthcare companies
Required Skills:
- Deep expertise in media relations, crisis communications, executive communications, and internal communications
- Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage and driving brand narratives
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to distill complex concepts into clear, compelling messages
- Experience working with C-level executives and influencing at all levels of the organization
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment
- Strong judgment, discretion, and a proactive mindset
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with a global team
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in healthcare or technology industries, as well as those with a strong portfolio demonstrating their communication skills, will be prioritized.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (USD) for US-based candidates, €70,000 - €100,000 (EUR) for Portugal-based candidates. Salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications. ASSUMPTION: These estimates are based on industry standards for similar roles and locations.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance*
- Equity shares*
- Discretionary PTO*
- Parental leave*
- 401(k)
- Flexible working hours
- Remote-first company
- Paid company holidays
- Free digital therapist for you and your family
- Meal allowance (Portugal)
- Remote work allowance (Portugal)
- Unlimited vacation (Portugal)
- Snacks and beverages (Portugal)
- English class (Portugal)
- Unlimited access to Coursera Learning Platform (Portugal)
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and a remote-first approach. ASSUMPTION: While the role is remote, some overlap with US and Portugal working hours may be required for effective collaboration.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Sword Health operates in the digital health and software development industries, focusing on AI-powered physical therapy and pain management.
Company Size: Sword Health is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Founded: Sword Health was founded in 2015 and has since grown to become a leader in AI Care, with a mission to free two billion people from pain.
Company Description:
- Sword Health is on a mission to free 2 billion people from pain by pioneering the field of AI Care
- The company has developed the first platform to predict, prevent, and treat pain using an interactive AI experience under clinician supervision
- Sword Health is recognized for its clinical and cost-saving outcomes, with a strong focus on clinical rigor and advanced AI technology
Company Specialties:
- Digital Health
- Medical devices
- Machine learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Physical therapy
- Telemedicine
- Healthcare
Company Website: swordhealth.com
ASSUMPTION: Sword Health's focus on innovation, clinical excellence, and improving lives makes it an attractive employer for mission-driven professionals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the VP and Head of CEO Office and leading a team of communications professionals.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Communications will report to the VP and Head of CEO Office and will manage a team of communications professionals.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote-first, with the option to work from the company's offices in Porto, Portugal, or other approved locations.
Growth Opportunities:
- As Sword Health continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Head of Communications to expand their team and influence the company's overall communications strategy
- With the company's focus on innovation and expansion, there may be opportunities for the Head of Communications to take on additional responsibilities or explore new areas of interest
ASSUMPTION: The Head of Communications will have the opportunity to shape Sword Health's voice and reputation, making a significant impact on the company's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Sword Health has offices in Porto, Portugal, and other locations, but this role is remote-first, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.
Office Location(s): Porto, Portugal (with the option to work remotely)
Geographic Context:
- Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene
- The city offers a high quality of life, with affordable living costs and a mild Mediterranean climate
- Porto is well-connected by public transportation and has an international airport, making it easy to travel for business or leisure
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and a remote-first approach. ASSUMPTION: While the role is remote, some overlap with US and Portugal working hours may be required for effective collaboration.
ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work environment at Sword Health offers flexibility and work-life balance, while also providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and team-building.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- Interview with the VP and Head of CEO Office
- Interview with a cross-functional panel of Sword Health team members
- Final interview with the CEO
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and strategic thinking
- Experience in global communications and crisis management
- Alignment with Sword Health's mission and values
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication successes, challenges, and how you overcame them
- Demonstrate your understanding of Sword Health's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals
ATS Keywords: Global communications, media relations, crisis communications, executive communications, internal communications, brand reputation, strategic direction, cross-functional collaboration, measurement and reporting, judgment, discretion, proactive mindset
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Sword Health is designed to assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit, ensuring you are the best candidate for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Content creation and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: The Head of Communications will be expected to be proficient in using various communication and project management tools to effectively lead their team and collaborate with other departments.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Do it for the patients
- Deliver more than expected
- Be bold, be curious, be you
Work Style:
- Collaborative and dynamic
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your commitment to putting patients first in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you delivered more than expected, and how did it impact your team or organization?
- How do you balance being bold and curious while staying true to your authentic self in a professional setting?
ASSUMPTION: Sword Health values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to delivering exceptional results, and eager to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing communications across multiple time zones and cultures
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including members, employers, partners, media, and the broader healthcare community
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Ensuring consistent messaging and branding across various channels and platforms
ASSUMPTION: The Head of Communications will need to be proactive, strategic, and adaptable to overcome these challenges and drive successful outcomes.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Head of Communications roles, this position offers the opportunity to lead global communications for a high-growth, mission-driven company in the digital health industry
- Sword Health's focus on AI Care and improving lives sets it apart from traditional healthcare organizations, providing a unique and innovative work environment
- Career progression in this role may include opportunities to expand the team, take on additional responsibilities, or explore new areas of interest within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic communications, crisis management, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing, mission-driven organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global communications strategy to launch a new AI-powered pain management product
- Managing crisis communications during a high-profile media event, ensuring consistent messaging and minimizing reputational damage
- Creating and implementing an internal communications campaign to engage employees around a company-wide rebranding initiative
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, tactical, and leadership skills required to succeed in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Sword Health support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- Can you describe the company's approach to crisis communications, and how has it evolved over time?
- How does Sword Health measure the success of its communications efforts, and how are these metrics used to inform strategy and decision-making?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company's communications efforts in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Sword Health foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its communications team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company's communications strategy, ensuring a strong fit for your skills and career goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication successes, challenges, and how you overcame them
- Demonstrate your understanding of Sword Health's mission and how your skills and experience align with the company's goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
