Director Scientific Communications and Engagement

AstraZeneca•Durham, NC

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Scientific Communications shapes and leads the long-term communications strategy for BioPharma Clinical Operations, elevating the visibility, reputation, and impact of BioPharma ClinOps across R&D and the enterprise. This strategic role partners directly with the Head of Clinical Operations and senior leadership to craft a compelling, science anchored narrative of how Clinical Operations accelerates innovative, patient centric development. The Director will steward integrated internal and external communications, thought leadership, leader visibility, and enterprise storytelling grounded in a deep understanding of clinical development, operational excellence, data/digital transformation, and compliance. Role purpose Build and execute a multiyear communications strategy for BioPharma Clinical Operations that aligns to R&D and enterprise strategy, advances change adoption, and measurably improves awareness, engagement, and influence. Serve as a principal advisor and communications lead to the Head of Clinical Operations, providing counsel, executive messaging, and issues management. Translate complex scientific and operational topics (trials portfolio, digital/data innovation, risk-based quality, patient engagement, sustainability) into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Strengthen Clinical Operations’ voice and presence inside R&D and across AstraZeneca, and externally with industry partners.

Requirements

Degree in Communications or Journalism.
5+ years’ experience in strategic communications within complex, global organizations, including executive advisory and enterprise change communications.
Pharma R&D experience with direct clinical operations preferred
Proven track record building multiyear communications strategies with measurable business impact.
Experience navigating regulated environments and partnering with Medical/Legal/Regulatory for external content.
Executive presence, stakeholder influence, and the ability to simplify complexity for global audiences.
Strong command of digital channels and analytics; proficiency with content management, enterprise social, Adobe Creative Cloud, and video/podcast production workflows.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with AI assisted content, data storytelling, and measurement platforms.

Responsibilities

Set the long-term BioPharma Clinical Operations communications vision, priorities, and annual operating plan, with clear KPIs tied to business outcomes (e.g. cycle time, quality culture, talent brand, innovation adoption).
Establish the strategic narrative and messaging architecture for ClinOps 2030, mission, proof points, and signature stories, ensuring consistency across channels and markets.
Advise and coach the Head of Clinical Operations and LT on executive communications, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Act as communication lead for LT meetings, town halls, and enterprise forums.
Partner with other Communications team members as an experienced peer, offering guidance, coaching, mentoring, and thought partnership while collaborating on priority initiatives without direct line management.
Partner with R&D, Corporate Affairs, SEN and HR to integrate ClinOps narratives into broader enterprise communications and employer brand.
Own the BioPharma ClinOps editorial calendar, content roadmap, and multichannel strategy (Workvivo posts, video, newsletters, podcasts, town halls, playbooks).
Lead development of high impact content: executive speeches, narratives, video series, infographics, thought leadership articles, and campaign toolkits.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, IP, and data privacy requirements.
Map and manage critical stakeholder groups (ClinOps LT, functions, regions, sites, study teams via appropriate channels), tailor messaging to their needs and maturity.
Drive leader visibility and “leaders as communicators” programs, develop leader communication playbooks and coaching to cascade strategy and reinforce cultural behaviors.
Sponsor key events and flagship moments (ClinOps 2030 milestones, ClinOps Awards, innovation showcases) with measurable engagement and follow through.
Define success metrics across awareness, engagement, behavior change, and business impact.
Conduct audience insights, message testing, and channel analytics to continuously refine strategy, socialize learnings and scale proven practices.