Senior Director, Boston Corporate Affairs and Communications

Senior Director, Boston Corporate Affairs and Communications

Location: Boston, US

Role Outline

At AstraZeneca (AZ), science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible to turn science into life-changing medicines for patients who need them most. We deliver breakthrough science by creating thriving, vibrant and open science centres where our scientists are free to pursue their ideas and collaborate both with colleagues and our academic and industry partners.  

Across our global footprint, we have a total of six strategic sites, which play a critical role in delivering our portfolio and driving our reputation.   These sites are often located in vibrant innovation ecosystems and are designed to allow us to strengthen collaboration, attract talent and encourage an entrepreneurial approach to our science and our business operations.

The  Senior Director, Boston Communications  will define and drive activities that enhance our reputation in Boston and strengthen relationships with those within this thriving ecosystem, in the US and globally.  You will become a key representative of AZ in the community and utilize this role and relationships to guide the development and execution of a robust programme of activities, aligning broader corporate affairs activities, to support the company’s strategy and maximises the impact of AstraZeneca in Boston; bringing together diverse stakeholder needs to optimize and amplify our voice.  

You will be a key member of the R&D Communications teams, working closely with internal stakeholders across Global Corporate Affairs (GCA) and the broader organisation to build the reputation of AZ in Boston and showcase our most exciting science and benefit to the ecosystem and beyond. Positioning AstraZeneca as the best science-led organisation in the industry, a business leader investing for the future and the partner of choice.

Candidate Focus & Challenge

• Act as a key representative of AstraZeneca within Boston, aligning contributing and also learning from others in the wider ecosystem, and translating these insights into activities 

• Leads the development and delivery of an integrated corporate affairs strategy and plan that showcases AstraZeneca’s leadership and positive impact to enhance reputation and collaborations in Boston, including internal, external and policy / Government affairs activities. Aligning activities with internal stakeholders to maximise the broader impact within the US and globally.

• Reinforces and leads the company's approach to external / strategic stakeholder engagement in Boston and serves as an effective ambassador in the community.

• Ensures Boston milestones, events and external news flow are maximised/effectively managed to achieve Boston objectives.  

• Identifies and mobilises input and output from key groups inc media relations, government affairs, community relations, R&D, digital/social media, internal communications and recruitment marketing, to deliver reputation enhancing communications programmes and events

• Works as part of a matrix and community of practice, sharing learnings, best practice and knowledge

• Anticipates and manages reputational issues in addition to playing a corporate affairs leadership role in business continuity/incident management if required. 

• Leverages positive impact of AZ STEM activities locally (as appropriate)

• Aligns activities with other Boston community support programmes (managed in Ops BAU) which focuses predominantly on science education in the community

• Provides coaching and counsel on corporate affairs topics to internal stakeholders including the senior leaders on the Boston Leadership Team

• Establishes measures of success and implements relevant evaluation tools. Ensures external environment is monitored to identify local and national communication opportunities and risks.

Candidate Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum Bachelor Degree in communication, public health, life science
• More than 10 years of experience in communication in pharma industry
• Established track record of delivering impactful, integrated corporate affairs strategies and plans in support of business priorities across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success

• Has a track record of creating and developing networks, with an entrepreneurial approach and desire to challenge the status quo

• Understands the US Life-sciences and / or Boston ecosystem, and can adeptly navigate and understand the challenges and opportunities they present

• Broad, multi-channel communication experience including media, events, digital, change and crisis communications 

• Working knowledge of the US political and media environment.

• Experience of managing different internal and external stakeholder relationships. Confident around senior leaders. Comfortable delivering contrary viewpoint when necessary

• Strong issues management capability across corporate affairs disciplines. Sound judgment; strong reputational 'radar'

• High level of integrity, able to handle highly confidential/sensitive information

• Track-record of team and programme leadership, with exceptional influencing  and relationship building skills 

• Team worker with high levels of motivation and personal accountability, bringing enthusiasm & energy to the team

• Excellent eye for detail and upholding visual and verbal identity

• Able to develop and maintain relationships across business and cultural boundaries

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $171,704 to $257,554. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn 

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Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.