Head of US Corporate Affairs - Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), Vaccines & Immune Therapies (V&I)

Introduction to role

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centric biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. As a hard-working team, we are united and motivated by our shared purpose – to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We come to work every single day to make a difference – to patients, society, and our company.

AstraZeneca in the United States is organized around two core business units, BioPharmaceuticals (BBU) and Oncology. The BBU focuses on the development and commercialization of AstraZeneca’s Respiratory, Immunology (R&I), Vaccines & Immune Therapies (V&I), and Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Renal (CVRM) therapeutic areas.

The Head of US Corporate Affairs for two critical therapy areas, R&I and V&I, is a senior member of the US Corporate Affairs team responsible for leading a cross-functional team and implementing external and internal strategies to drive the US BBU business. This role will serve on the US therapy area Leadership Team and the US Corporate Affairs Leadership Team. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of strategic planning, know-how in stakeholder engagement, passion for science, and a consistent track record of execution against communications, campaign work, advocacy, and policy strategies that deliver differential results for the business.

Additionally, the candidate is proactive and innovative, has shown team leadership and management skills, and can gain the trust and respect of senior leaders, who will rely on your counsel and guidance on all Corporate Affairs matters. As a people manager, the candidate will be expected to drive performance, team development and play a crucial role in encouraging a positive culture as part of the broader US Corporate Affairs team.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for developing and leading strategy, planning and execution for US Corporate Affairs activities, therapy area specific policy objectives, brand communication and internal communications

• Shape patient and professional group engagements and the legislative and policy landscape to advance patient-centric priorities aligned to the TA

• Ensure delivery of consistent, compelling communications and engagement opportunities with internal and external partners that drive business results

• Oversee development and execution of annual US Corporate Affairs strategy and plan for the TA, including planned regulatory and data milestones

• Provide effective strategic US Corporate Affairs counsel to the Vice President, US R&I, V&I, and the affiliated TA Leadership Team

• Ensure that US Corporate Affairs and Global Corporate Affairs TA strategies and plans are aligned and that activities are consistent and coordinated to increase impact, learnings and capabilities

• Shape US TA presence at US medical congresses

• Lead a US-based team of communication and advocacy professionals, with dotted line colleagues spanning Government Affairs and Policy, State Government Affairs and Media Relations

• Serve on the US Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and US R&I, V&I Leadership Teams

Essential Skills/Experience

• Excellent writing, project management, planning and multi-channel communications experience, particularly media relations, digital, and internal communications, are critical.

• Strong collaboration skills, as you will be required to work closely with colleagues across Corporate Affairs, notably the VP of Corporate Affairs, VP of R&I, V&I, and partnership with other US Heads of Corporate Affairs, including internal and external communications.

• Understanding corporate and brand communications and the ability to balance both to dive internal and external engagement.

• Passion for science and communicating data to diverse audiences

• Strong management skills and ability to handle competing priorities

• 10-15 years' experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing or a related field

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience supporting R&I products or businesses

• Sound Pharma background – including understanding regulatory and policy environment is desirable

• Demonstrated success in developing comms campaigns that bring in patient, patient advocacy group and policy maker voices

• Experience with leading a team

• Ability to identify opportunities and challenges and solve them / capitalize on them

• Understanding of the external stakeholder environment, including government affairs, policy, and relevant non-profit organizations

• Proven strategic use of social and digital media

• Ability to navigate sophisticated and matrixed organizations

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally across sales, marketing, Market Access, and Medical Affairs, among others

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.

Join a place built on innovation and creativity developing the next generation of therapeutics. Be part of an environment where questioning minds never settle until new insights are uncovered that challenge convention. Acting with urgency, you’ll be empowered to take smart risks to push the boundaries. Committed to making the right choices to win, spotting opportunities and developing our resilience to solve complex challenges.

You will work with teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in.

Here, sharing and understanding different perspectives is encouraged. Staying closely connected with one another is how we work. Drawing on our different views, experiences and strengths is key to unlocking our plans for industry-leading growth; it propels us forward to reach ambitious new solutions.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

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