Senior Director, Global Corporate Affairs, Oncology

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

You will play an important role in delivering against our bold ambition of one day eliminating cancer as a cause of death. This role will lead global communications strategy for AstraZeneca’s hematology and cell therapy portfolio and our promising new assets in registrational-Phase trials. Accountability includes managing brand-specific news flow milestones, data delivery at key congresses, internal communications, among other things. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Oncology Global Product Communications, members of the broader Corporate Affairs team, Global Franchise Head, and cross-functional partners to develop hematology initiatives and thought leadership platforms that will position AstraZeneca as leaders in oncology and partners of choice among the external community. As a member of the Oncology Global Corporate Affairs team, the candidate will collaborate closely across the enterprise (including Global Media Relations, Global Product Leads, Regulatory, Compliance, Commercial, Medical Affairs, Investor Relations and in-market teams) to ensure a coordinated and compliant approach to external stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

Deep expertise in Oncology is strongly preferred.
10-12 plus years of experience
Significant experience of leading issues management in a similar environment /for global brands/disease areas.
Expert in media relations, digital, social media, employee and leader communications, change management, event planning and more.
Proven capability to influence and counsel senior leaders and teams across functions and geographical boundaries.
Strong background and comfort level in writing science-based content
Graduate, Bachelor's or Master’s degree, with 10+ years of experience to include a working knowledge of global Pharmaceutical market and innovative life sciences environment.
Established track-record of delivering impactful, strategic communications programs and proactive stakeholder management with demonstrable measures of success.
Substantial experience of healthcare communications gained in-house at a leading multinational biopharma company or at a global agency, backed up by deep understanding of regulatory environment, compliance framework, and perspectives of key external stakeholders such as physicians, payers, patients.
Strong proven leadership skills and collaborative behavior required to drive successful delivery against strategy through a broad mix of internal and external stakeholders.
Exemplary written and verbal communications skills
Creativity and desire to challenge the status quo
Think strategically with ability to act flexibly
Ability to provide effective coaching and guidance to peers and other team members.
Ability to work in a global environment including understanding of cultural differences.
Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands on delivery.
Experience of creating and translating scientific / technical content for a broad range of audiences.
The role will involve travel, as required, to key markets and locations of leading medical congresses.

Responsibilities

Be an active member of the Product Communications Team delivering strategic advice and counsel to the Head of Oncology Global Product Communications, Global Franchise Head, the cross-functional Global Product Team, Product Communications team and across the broader AstraZeneca Corporate Affairs function and enterprise.
Sit on the OBU Hematology and Cell Therapy franchise leadership team, supporting the Global Franchise Head and their LT members.
Align and oversee Global Corporate Affairs efforts across our hematology and cell therapy portfolio and pipeline
Support selected projects led by Global Oncology Leadership Team members
Support, develop and execute a global Corporate Affairs strategy, aiming to establish AstraZeneca as a distinct, emerging leader.
Support an integrated approach to milestones, news flow and activity planning – including support of multiple registrational-Phase trial readouts – to effectively maximize opportunities and prepare against issues
Develop an impactful media relations strategy and a compelling narrative to bring to life our science-led pipeline and life-changing medicines within the portfolio with clear messages and sharp proof points
Beyond brand communications, support the execution of multi stakeholder signature programs and advocacy initiatives aiming to establish AZ as a leader in designated therapeutic areas and to remove barriers to treatment adoption.
Effectively develop and creatively leverage internal and external communications channels, including traditional and social media, working with ‘channel leads’ (e.g. Global Internal Communications, Global Media Relations, market comms teams, digital team etc.) as appropriate.
Provide sound counsel to Senior Leaders, Investor Relations colleagues and provide effective communications and issues management support to brand leaders, Franchise teams, including media and message training.
Support issues preparedness and crisis management to protect brand and company reputation.
Effectively manage and deploy agency support through clear objectives, KPIs, continued drive for excellence and innovation in support of the lung cancer franchise.