Director, Communications Respiratory & Immunology

Director, Communications Respiratory & Immunology

Gaithersburg, MD

Global Corporate Affairs

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from office

Come help us drive global, integrated communications and patient advocacy for key assets within AstraZeneca’s respiratory and immune-mediated disease portfolio (from Phase 2b onward)! You'll lead external and internal storytelling, and issues management to build reputation, support milestones, and engage stakeholders across global, regional, and country teams. 

AstraZeneca is committed to transforming care for some of the most debilitating and chronic respiratory and immune-mediated diseases. Our portfolio of inhaled and biologic medicines, and our pipeline for the future, seeks to address the challenges and vast unmet medical needs patients face today.  

What you'll do

• Develop and deliver global communications plans from Phase 2b through launch with consideration of the full franchise, including milestones, data readouts, regulatory events, congress presence, partnerships and competitive responses. 

• Build compelling disease and asset narratives with clear messages and proof points; produce press releases, Q&As and materials for global and local use; prepare and train spokespeople. 

• Collaborate with global/regional media and country teams; support investor communications with Investor Relations; engage external experts and investigators. 

• Lead deployment across corporate digital/social channels, using paid and organic opportunities. 

• Drive internal understanding and engagement for key assets; partner with leaders and Global Internal Communications. 

• Build relationships and co-create programs with patient groups to inform strategy and drive shared agendas in coordination with the Policy & Advocacy team for R&I 

• Lead issues preparedness and crisis management, including scenario planning, training, tracking and alignment across markets. 

• Optimize agencies and resources; set objectives and KPIs; ensure strong project management and measurement. 

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree

• 10+ years of communications experience (external/internal/digital)

• Significant experience with global pharma/life sciences communications. 

• Experienced in delivery of strategic, content-rich programs; deep understanding of healthcare regulations, compliance, and stakeholder perspectives (physicians, payers, patients). 

• Credible advisor to senior leaders; adept at translating strategy into communications (including PowerPoint and digital); strong cross-functional and cross-geography influence. 

• Significant experience in issues preparedness/management for global brands. 

• Strong background in organic/paid digital; effective internal engagement and change communications. 

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching ability, and collaborative ways of working. 

• Cultural fluency; combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery

• Skilled at simplifying scientific/technical content for varied audiences. 

Desirable for the role

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $146,716.80 - 220,075.20 USD. 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. ​

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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.