Director, US Oncology Brand Communications

US Oncology Brand Communications (Lung Cancer)  

Gaithersburg, MD

Global Corporate Affairs

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days/week in office

AstraZeneca is redefining cancer care, and we have a bold ambition to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Director of Lung Cancer Brand Communications to join us as a core member of the US Oncology Corporate Affairs team while collaborating with other teams across AstraZeneca. For more than 40 years, AstraZeneca has contributed to advancements in lung cancer care. As our understanding of lung cancer has evolved, so have our medicines. We are working to bring these therapies to the people who need them – no matter their disease stage, disease subtype or zip code.  

This role will lead US communications strategy for AstraZeneca’s leading Lung Cancer portfolio, including marketed brands and pipeline assets. You will manage brand-specific news flow milestones, data delivery at key congresses, internal communications, disease-relevant programs and more. The successful candidate will partner with the Lung  Cancer Franchise and sit on the US Lung Cancer leadership team, serving as a strategic communications advisor to the US Lung Cancer Franchise Head and collaborating closely with commercial and medical teams. As a member of the US Oncology Corporate Affairs team, you will collaborate closely across the enterprise to ensure a coordinated and compliant approach to external stakeholder engagement. 

What you'll do

• Develop and deliver effective communications programs that elevate AZ Oncology’s Lung Cancer reputation as a leader in the US 

• Collaborate with other AZ Communication Leads to ensure integration and alignment with strategic direction, corporate narrative, and internal and external corporate affairs campaign and editorial planning processes 

• Ensure communications are continuous, consistent and distributed through appropriate channels, working with all Corporate Affairs partners and third-party agencies Support an integrated approach to milestones, news flow and activity planning – including support of multiple Phase III trial readouts and launches – to effectively increase opportunities and prepare against issues  

• Develop an impactful media relations strategy and a compelling narrative to bring to life our science-led pipeline and life-changing medicines within the portfolio with clear messages and sharp proof points  

• Implement multi-stakeholder signature programs and advocacy initiatives aiming to establish AZ as a leader in Lung Cancer and to remove barriers to treatment adoption. 

• Effectively develop and creatively leverage internal and external communications channels, including traditional and social media, working with ‘channel leads’ (e.g. Global Internal Communications, Global Media Relations, market comms teams, digital team etc.) as appropriate. 

• Provide sound counsel to Senior Leaders and provide effective communications and issues management support to brand leaders, Franchise teams, including media and message training. 

• Effectively lead and deploy agency support through clear objectives, important metrics, continued drive for excellence and innovation in support of the lung cancer pipeline and portfolio. 

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree

• 7-10 years of experience in internal communications, corporate communications, public relations, agency communications or a related field. 

• Significant experience of leading strategic communications management in a similar environment / for global brands/disease areas either in-house or at global communications agency. 

• Expert in media relations, digital, social media, employee and leader communications, change management, event planning and more. 

• Capability to influence and counsel senior leaders and teams across functions and geographical boundaries.  

• Team worker with high level of personal accountability 

• Strong background and comfort level in writing science-based content  

• Strategic problem solver, with a talent to develop project plans and execute communications

• Expert-level organization and time & agency management skills are key to supporting numerous projects, delivering in a fast-paced environment, coordinating with multiple functions  and successfully partnering with internal clients and leaders as well as external alliance partners. 

Desirable for the role

• Deep expertise in Oncology

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field. 

• Experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or oncology communications.

• Experience working for a communications and public relations agency