Senior Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement Lead, Oncology R&D

Senior Director, Scientific Communications and Engagement Lead, Oncology R&D

Location:

Cambridge 

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Scientific Communications and Engagement (SC&E) for the COO in Oncology R&D (ORD) will lead the team responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive internal communication strategies aligned with our ORD scientific and organisational goals. This pivotal leadership role involves defining strategic approaches, partnering across broad, matrix stakeholders, strong team leadership and implementing targeted communication and engagement plans across the ORD Functions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategy:

• Oversee a global team of 19 communicators responsible for functional communications, R&D transformation change communications and functional change communications. 

• Develop and implement the strategy for COO strategic communications, encompassing Enabling Functions, Site Operations, SHE, scientific publications and senior leadership support. 

• Serve on the COO and Enabling Functions Leadership Teams, collaborating closely to enhance strategic engagement and drive excellence across the function  

• Stakeholder Engagement and Team Collaboration:

• Partner with senior leaders and their teams to support communications representatives from SC&E to amplify organisational narratives, drive engagement, and deliver impactful change communications across ORD Functions. 

• Engage with ORDLT members, BPOs, and Functional Leadership Teams to set strategic directions, address resource needs, align priorities, and manage challenges. 

• Act as a strategic partner to the Global Corporate Affairs team, ensuring aligned deliverables and integrated ways of working. 

• Management and Development:

• Direct the team in crafting and delivering compelling scientific content and engagement activities, tailored for internal stakeholders. 

• Focus on team development, promoting a culture of excellence, efficiency, and best practice sharing, with a strong emphasis on learning and development.  Address underperformance and management of any conflict in a timely and sensitive manner.  

• Oversee resource allocation to ensure the team effectively supports functional priorities. 

• Empower line managers within the team to build a psychologically safe environment focussed on impact and value.  Prioritise a culture of inclusion, equity and opportunity.  

• Performance and Evaluation:

• Establish success measures and implement evaluation tools for assessing the impact of communications and engagement initiatives. 

• Co-chair the ORD Communications Network alongside Global Corporate Affairs to ensure seamless collaboration. 

• Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Manage functional cross-team change programmes in partnership with Global Corporate Affairs, ensuring communication coherence and alignment with organisational goals. 

• Provide strategic counsel to COO Extended Leadership Team members on engagement focus and communication of business priorities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) and 8+ years of relevant healthcare product communications experience. 

• Proven track record in strategic communication or engagement roles. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Experience in managing matrix teams and delivering timely communication outputs. 

• Ability to distil complex scientific information into effective, audience-appropriate communications. 

• Strong influencing, networking, and team collaboration capabilities. 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with resource planning and management for teams. 

• Demonstrated experience in establishing Service Level Agreements and monitoring performance. 

• Expertise in developing messaging frameworks and coaching leaders on communicating therapeutic area scientific messages. 

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.