Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

Are you an effective and creative communicator? Are you passionate about scientific advances? This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the internal Hematology (Heme) science engagement and communications strategy, supporting a function with a growing and exciting portfolio!

Working with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, senior leaders and corporate affairs you will use proven and innovative mechanisms to bring our strategy and portfolio to life and inspire communities as we work towards achieving our bold ambition 2030. Through creative and impactful communications, the successful candidate will contribute to our ambition of building a culture of learning and transparency. 

This critical role leads the internal science engagement and communications strategy for the Hematology function.   This role will act as a key partner and point of contact for the Senior Vice President (SVP), providing dedicated strategic communications and support to this innovative, progressive and highly visible leader, including the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer role.

What you'll do

• Defines and implements the internal science communications and engagement strategy for Heme, working closely with diverse stakeholders across AstraZeneca including the SVP, Business Planning & Operations leads, and the Leadership Team.

• Responsible for the overarching internal editorial calendar and messaging to raise the visibility of Hemeachievements and to communicate our scorecard progress  

• Provides strategic input into our broader Heme internal communications strategy (events, awards, overarching campaigns)  

• Works directly with the SVP and the leadership team to define the strategic focus and develop content for internal and external engagements (e.g. external scientific presentations and Town Hall meetings) 

• Supporting the SVP with their external and internal scientific presentations  

• Leads the strategy for enhancing engagement of Heme leaders internally 

• Strong immersion in the scientific portfolio and project pipeline, understanding and championing the innovative scientific breakthroughs 

• Drives innovative solutions (including digital media) to communicate our scorecard and scientific priorities and bring the Heme science to life 

• Overall accountable for delivery of key business reports to capture scientific achievements / deliverables 

• Partners with Oncology R&D Corporate Affairs to craft external communications to enhance the external scientific reputation of Heme

• Works as a strong, matrix stakeholder manager to deliver in a collaborative and engaging manner leading to successful delivery against goals 

Essential for the role

• Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences

• 5 years+ experience working as a senior communicator directly supporting a highly visible and senior leader/executive as a strategic partner

• Scientific knowledge in the Oncology or related areas 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English 

• Proven capability to clearly articulate complex scientific data into effective and compelling communication that is appropriate for the level of audience 

• Broad knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process 

• Prior pharmaceutical/ healthcare experience in a strategic communications role  

• Experience leading change communications  

• Strong influencing, networking, and team leading skills with all level of peers and colleagues 

• A proven track record of delivering tasks in a timely manner

• Experience in working in a complex, fast paced, high performing team 

• Experience of supporting executive communications across digital and social media channels 

Desirable for the role

• Understanding of external communication requirements with particular focus on social media and traditional media engagement  

• PhD or MSc in Life science   

• Hematology communications experience

• Coaching/mentorship/line management skills

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 (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $138,400.00 - 207,600.00 USD as an annual base salary. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Equal Opportunities

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.

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