Senior Director, Global Corporate Affairs, Oncology

Role title: Senior Director, Global Corporate Affairs, Oncology 

Location: Gaithersburg, MD 

You will play an important role in delivering against our bold ambition of one day eliminating cancer as a cause of death. This role will lead global communications strategy for AstraZeneca’s hematology and cell therapy portfolio and our promising new assets in registrational-Phase trials. Accountability includes managing brand-specific news flow milestones, data delivery at key congresses, internal communications, among other things. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Oncology Global Product Communications, members of the broader Corporate Affairs team, Global Franchise Head, and cross-functional partners to develop hematology initiatives and thought leadership platforms that will position AstraZeneca as leaders in oncology and partners of choice among the external community. 

As a member of the Oncology Global Corporate Affairs team, the candidate will collaborate closely across the enterprise (including Global Media Relations, Global Product Leads, Regulatory, Compliance, Commercial, Medical Affairs, Investor Relations and in-market teams) to ensure a coordinated and compliant approach to external stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an active member of the Product Communications Team delivering strategic advice and counsel to the Head of Oncology Global Product Communications, Global Franchise Head, the cross-functional Global Product Team, Product Communications team and across the broader AstraZeneca Corporate Affairs function and enterprise. 

• Sit on the OBU Hematology and Cell Therapy franchise leadership team, supporting the Global Franchise Head and their LT members. 

• Align and oversee Global Corporate Affairs efforts across our hematology and cell therapy portfolio and pipeline 

• Support selected projects led by Global Oncology Leadership Team members  

• Support, develop and execute a global Corporate Affairs strategy, aiming to establish AstraZeneca as a distinct, emerging leader.  

• Support an integrated approach to milestones, news flow and activity planning – including support of multiple registrational-Phase trial readouts – to effectively maximize 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  

• Beyond brand communications, support the execution of multi stakeholder signature programs and advocacy initiatives aiming to establish AZ as a leader in designated therapeutic areas and to remove barriers to treatment adoption. 

Key Responsibilities

• Be an active member of the Product Communications Team delivering strategic advice and counsel to the Head of Oncology Global Product Communications, Global Franchise Head, the cross-functional Global Product Team, Product Communications team and across the broader AstraZeneca Corporate Affairs function and enterprise. 

• Sit on the OBU Hematology and Cell Therapy franchise leadership team, supporting the Global Franchise Head and their LT members. 

• Align and oversee Global Corporate Affairs efforts across our hematology and cell therapy portfolio and pipeline 

• Support selected projects led by Global Oncology Leadership Team members  

• Support, develop and execute a global Corporate Affairs strategy, aiming to establish AstraZeneca as a distinct, emerging leader.  

• Support an integrated approach to milestones, news flow and activity planning – including support of multiple registrational-Phase trial readouts – to effectively maximize 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  

• Beyond brand communications, support the execution of multi stakeholder signature programs and advocacy initiatives aiming to establish AZ as a leader in designated therapeutic areas 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, Investor Relations colleagues and provide effective communications and issues management support to brand leaders, Franchise teams, including media and message training. 

• Support issues preparedness and crisis management to protect brand and company reputation. 

• Effectively manage and deploy agency support through clear objectives, KPIs, continued drive for excellence and innovation in support of the lung cancer franchise. 

Candidate Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Deep expertise in Oncology is strongly preferred. 

• 10-12 plus years of experience 

• Significant experience of leading issues management in a similar environment /for global brands/disease areas. 

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

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

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

Capabilities and Experience

• Graduate, Bachelor's or Master’s degree, with 10+ years of experience to include a working knowledge of global Pharmaceutical market and innovative life sciences environment.

• Established track-record of delivering impactful, strategic communications programs and proactive stakeholder management with demonstrable measures of success.  

• Substantial experience of healthcare communications gained in-house at a leading multinational biopharma company or at a global agency, backed up by deep understanding of regulatory environment, compliance framework, and perspectives of key external stakeholders such as physicians, payers, patients. 

• Strong proven leadership skills and collaborative behavior required to drive successful delivery against strategy through a broad mix of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Exemplary written and verbal communications skills 

• Creativity and desire to challenge the status quo 

• Think strategically with ability to act flexibly 

• Ability to provide effective coaching and guidance to peers and other team members. 

• Ability to work in a global environment including understanding of cultural differences. 

• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands on delivery. 

• Experience of creating and translating scientific / technical content for a broad range of audiences. 

The role will involve travel, as required, to key markets and locations of leading medical congresses. 

In Office Requirement:

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.

Pay Transparency

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $171,704 to $257,554 Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives— an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

25-Feb-2026

Closing Date

15-Mar-2026

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.