Executive Director, External Engagement Strategy and Insights (R&D, Oncology)

Executive Director, External Engagement Strategy and Insights

Location: Waltham or Gaithersburg (US)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise. 

Within Oncology R&D, we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. This approach has enabled us to successfully deliver 7 new Oncology medicines in as many years. 

It is the breadth and strength of our innovative pipeline that offers both security and stability. And with the goal to deliver 6 new molecular entities by 2025, it’s up to each of us to keep pushing our industry-leading Oncology pipeline forward and build the future. 

Oncology Strategy, Business Development & Alliances Team(SBDA)

Our team sits at the center of Oncology R&D – driving our R&D strategy and addressing the unmet needs and future focus of AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline. We operate both internally and externally, leading collaboration and acquisition opportunities as well as partnering closely with external alliances.  The External R&D is a critical pillar of the SBDA team and is responsible for integrating insights, biosamples, capabilities and accelerating clinical trial delivery through our industry-leading academic ecosystem

Introduction to role

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer? As the Executive Director of External Engagement Strategy and Insights, you will report to the VP of External R&D and play a pivotal role in shaping the Oncology R&D Strategy. Your insights will inform milestone decisions for individual tumor and asset strategies, driving the overall direction of our research efforts. Leading a team responsible for external engagements, you'll foster collaboration across Early Oncology, Late Oncology, Hematology, Tumor Councils, and ORD Strategy teams. As a key member of the External R&D Leadership Team and Tumor Strategy Leadership Team, you'll spearhead critical initiatives and workstreams that push the boundaries of cancer research.

Accountabilities

• Drive strategic direction for external engagements based on current and future unmet needs  
• Lead broad cross-functional teams across the early and late-stage oncology organization (Early Oncology, Late Oncology, Tumor Councils, Hematology, and SBDA). 
• Lead individuals responsible for External Engagements (External Science Panels, Science Days, Symposium, Congresses, etc.).
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact strategic objectives.
• Drive integration of external clinical and scientific insights to shape portfolio decisions.
• Lead additional External R&D and SBDA internal workstreams.
• Advise ORD senior leadership with clear, actionable insights and recommendations on complex strategic areas.
• Lead broad functional teams across the early and late-stage oncology organizations (Early Oncology, Late Oncology, Tumor Councils, Hematology, and SBDA). 
• Prioritize strategic topics for External Engagements and integrate learnings and insights into strategic plans. 
• Mentor individual contributors responsible for External Engagements.
• Lead portfolio of cross-functional, cross-disciplinary working teams to deliver External Engagements.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all groups.
• Lead effective communication of strategy, progress, and priorities to diverse audiences, both internal and external.
• Ensure compliance with all company compliance and regulatory guidelines governing external interactions.

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience in life sciences and consulting firm with focus in life science programs
• Experience pharmaceutical R&D for business, strategy and academic partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coach experienced professionals.
• Ability to think critically, creatively, and anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environment

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Visionary strategist with validated ability to lead complex workstreams from strategy development through execution and implementation
• Strong analytical and communication skills; excellent written and verbal communications.
• Highly collaborative with exceptional interpersonal skills and the capacity to build networks, ecosystems and influence partners across matrixed organizations.
• Comfortable engaging and leading conversations with senior leadership.
• Resourceful, motivated, influential and proactive; able to prioritize and drive progress in a fast-growing organization.
• Track record of exceptional leadership and professional development of teams.

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 daring world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a bold vision—to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our pioneering approach combines cutting-edge science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs in cancer treatment. With multiple indications and high-quality molecules in our innovative pipeline, we are committed to delivering six new molecular entities by 2025. Empowered to lead at every level, our team makes courageous decisions driven by patient outcomes. Join us in our mission to transform lives through collaborative research that unites academia and industry.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of millions affected by cancer!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the countries where the role is advertised. 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 270,221 - 405,332 Annual USD. 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 salary (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. 

Date Posted

23-Sept-2025

Closing Date

09-Oct-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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.