Director, Policy Communications

AstraZeneca • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Director, Policy Communications and Media AstraZeneca is looking for a Director, Policy Communications and Media who will develop and lead communications and media for state and federal policy-related initiatives and programs. The role is ideal for someone with a solid grasp of the U.S. political landscape, as well as life sciences, pharmaceutical and healthcare issues. You will have strong media relations skills; experience working at the intersection of healthcare, media and social issues; passion about communications and innovation; and a creative, strategic problem-solver mindset with an affinity for details and project management. In addition, this person should have the ability to distil sophisticated issues and shape perception about those issues with external partners. The role will report into the Head of U.S. Media Relations and is based in Washington D.C.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree with a minimum of ten years' experience/working knowledge of global Pharmaceutical market, NGOs, non-profits and innovative life sciences environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Hands-on experience in managing proactive/reactive media relations programs
• Understanding and experience of working with or adjacent to the pharma sector
• Understanding of the federal / state legislative, regulatory and judicial processes
• Experience working with US top tier and trade media and building a network of reporters
• Experience working with senior leaders and supporting media interviews and visibility in other executive external engagements.
• Experience juggling multiple deadlines on intricate, critical issues
• Skilled at managing cross-functional partner relations in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work on both strategy and execution with colleagues within other Corporate Affairs functions (US and global), Legal and Compliance and Market Access departments

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of communications strategies and plans aimed at sharing our corporate story and protecting our overall image among key U.S. external audiences
• Collaborate with Government Affairs and Policy groups to lead communications activities regarding relevant policy issues pertinent to AstraZeneca.
• Build programs and initiatives that educate the media, policymakers and external stakeholders on issues that are important to AstraZeneca
• Be the spokesperson for AstraZeneca on incoming media inquiries, navigating complex political issues confidently and identifying proactive opportunities to positively shape media coverage
• Craft a wide range of communications materials including communications plans, fact sheets, statements, press releases and briefing materials for senior leaders
• Coordinating interviews with executives
• Cultivate new and existing relationships with policy media, trade and advocacy associations, and other third party groups
• Supervise agency partners to drive tactical execution of communications strategies, managing associated budgets and ensuring that metrics are reached
• Manage multiple, critical communications projects simultaneously and independently

Benefits

• qualified retirement programs
• paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees