What you’ll do: 

The Director, Rare Disease Communications will provide communications expertise to the Europe and Canada (EUCAN) and International Region, including regional and market level corporate and therapy areas communications, media relations amd executive leader visibility.  

The role reports into the Head of Communications, Alexion and works closely with the Senior Directors of Corporate Affairs for EUCAN and International, as well as Market and Area Communication Directors across EUCAN, MEA, Latam and AsiaPAC. He/she will work with the global cross-functional teams, as well as with the markets across the region, to develop and deliver a coordinated communications strategy aligned to regional business priorities and our Global Corporate Affairs objectives. He/she will also dotted line report to the Head of Communication, EUCAN & International to ensure strategic alignment with AstraZeneca regional communications.  

External communications initiatives will predominantly focus on driving our leading corporate reputation as a trusted and influential partner in rare disease, supporting our TA policy and market shaping efforts. Internal communications initiatives will predominantly focus on driving increased employee engagement, equipping leaders to engage their teams and inspiring change. This will also include channel management and development. 

The position will play a functional and strategic leadership role across the region, helping to further build bridges between Alexion and AstraZeneca, raise capabilities and drive the network of in-market communicators to optimise alignment, efficiencies and best practice. He/she will also counsel and provide guidance to the Senior Vice President, EUCAN & International, Alexion, as well as members of the leadership team. 

Key Accountabilities: 

• Collaborate with the EUCAN & International Corporate Affairs teams to develop and drive successful implementation of integrated communications strategies across corporate, TA, internal, media and executive visibility. 

• Provide comms expertise and support to SVP, EUCAN & International, Alexion, to support delivery of key priorities. This demands a strategic approach as well as strong execution skills.  

• Identify and align on key strategic external communications priorities that will support the delivery of regional CA strategy for Rare Disease. Work closely together with the Global Comms teams to shape content development and ensure Global/ Regional and Market level cohesion. 

• Provide strategic counsel, leadership and coaching to projects/team leaders to drive communication decisions and actions, as well as improving overall communication efficiency, for agreed business priorities. 

• Work with colleagues across Global Corporate Affairs to ensure alignment of narrative/messaging and editorial priorities, pull through of global campaigns and visibility of key regional and market events/announcements. 

• Create opportunities for the SVP EUCAN & International and the Leadership Team to engage internally and externally, supporting delivery of prioritised communications activities e.g. media engagement, speeches, presentations, etc. 

• Represent Regional Alexion Communications on GCA leadership groups, ensuring regional perspective for Rare Disease and needs are reflected appropriately in global plans and aligning with markets re planning, implementation and feedback. 

• Influence and lead the EUCAN and International communicators' network, ensuring optimal alignment, consistency, and efficiency across the region. Help to raise capabilities and sharing of best practice between markets. Share solutions to challenges facing communicators regarding delivery of business priorities. 

• Provide communications expertise for regional issues or in support of key markets, including:  

• Acting as Regional Communications lead as defined in the AZ Group Crisis Plan;  

• Acting as Alexion’s Regional Communications Lead in line with Regional EUCAN structures; and  

• Supporting significant organisational change programmes and reputation management activity.  

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Essential for the role: 

• Extensive experience in the communications arena with minimum of 8 years of experience 

• Strong track record in delivering impactful external communication strategies 

• Strong business acumen and proven success in connecting critical communications to business outcomes (industry experience preferred) 

• Ability to influence the business and communication decisions of senior management and to mentor senior leaders on their effectiveness 

• Experience in successful change communication programme implementation 

• Experience of crisis and/or issues management 

• Prior experience in media relations  

• Proven track record of effectively managing many projects and resources 

• Highly-developed cultural sensitivity and ability to work in virtual teams 

• Knowledge of and experience in working across geographic and cultural boundaries 

• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience in a variety of media (speeches, fact sheets, briefings, executive presentations, news releases, etc) 

Desirable for the role: 

• Expertise in Rare Diseases 

• Experience with medical product and data communications/news flow 

• Fluency in an at least one major language (excluding English) desirable 

Why AstraZeneca? 

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. 

Hybrid Working 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give 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.  

So, what’s next?  

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you! 

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer. 

Where can I find out more? 

Our Social Media,