AstraZeneca · 5 hours ago
Director Scientific Communications and Engagement
Durham, NC
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expAstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company, and they are seeking a Director of Scientific Communications to shape and lead the long-term communications strategy for BioPharma Clinical Operations. This role involves crafting a compelling narrative, executing a multiyear communications strategy, and advising senior leadership on executive communications.
BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceuticalPrecision Medicine
Responsibilities
Build and execute a multiyear communications strategy for BioPharma Clinical Operations that aligns to R&D and enterprise strategy, advances change adoption, and measurably improves awareness, engagement, and influence
Serve as a principal advisor and communications lead to the Head of Clinical Operations, providing counsel, executive messaging, and issues management
Translate complex scientific and operational topics (trials portfolio, digital/data innovation, risk-based quality, patient engagement, sustainability) into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
Strengthen Clinical Operations’ voice and presence inside R&D and across AstraZeneca, and externally with industry partners
Set the long-term BioPharma Clinical Operations communications vision, priorities, and annual operating plan, with clear KPIs tied to business outcomes (e.g. cycle time, quality culture, talent brand, innovation adoption)
Establish the strategic narrative and messaging architecture for ClinOps 2030, mission, proof points, and signature stories, ensuring consistency across channels and markets
Advise and coach the Head of Clinical Operations and LT on executive communications, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Act as communication lead for LT meetings, town halls, and enterprise forums
Partner with other Communications team members as an experienced peer, offering guidance, coaching, mentoring, and thought partnership while collaborating on priority initiatives without direct line management
Partner with R&D, Corporate Affairs, SEN and HR to integrate ClinOps narratives into broader enterprise communications and employer brand
Own the BioPharma ClinOps editorial calendar, content roadmap, and multichannel strategy (Workvivo posts, video, newsletters, podcasts, town halls, playbooks)
Lead development of high impact content: executive speeches, narratives, video series, infographics, thought leadership articles, and campaign toolkits
Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, IP, and data privacy requirements
Map and manage critical stakeholder groups (ClinOps LT, functions, regions, sites, study teams via appropriate channels), tailor messaging to their needs and maturity
Drive leader visibility and 'leaders as communicators' programs, develop leader communication playbooks and coaching to cascade strategy and reinforce cultural behaviors
Sponsor key events and flagship moments (ClinOps 2030 milestones, ClinOps Awards, innovation showcases) with measurable engagement and follow through
Define success metrics across awareness, engagement, behavior change, and business impact
Conduct audience insights, message testing, and channel analytics to continuously refine strategy, socialize learnings and scale proven practices
Qualification
Required
Degree in Communications or Journalism
5+ years' experience in strategic communications within complex, global organizations, including executive advisory and enterprise change communications
Pharma R&D experience with direct clinical operations preferred
Proven track record building multiyear communications strategies with measurable business impact
Experience navigating regulated environments and partnering with Medical/Legal/Regulatory for external content
Executive presence, stakeholder influence, and the ability to simplify complexity for global audiences
Strong command of digital channels and analytics; proficiency with content management, enterprise social, Adobe Creative Cloud, and video/podcast production workflows
Preferred
Familiarity with AI assisted content, data storytelling, and measurement platforms
Company
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines. It is a sub-organization of Investor.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.26B2024-07-30Post Ipo Debt· $1.51B
2023-02-28Post Ipo Debt· $2.25B
2023-02-24Post Ipo Debt· $1.5B
Leadership Team
Pascal Soriot
Chief Executive Officer
Aradhana Sarin
Group CFO and Executive Director
Recent News
Essential Business
2026-01-24
2026-01-23
Company data provided by crunchbase