Associate Director External Pharmaceutical Communications

Responsibilities

• Development and delivery of an integrated external communications plans to strengthen client's reputation as a scientific leader in science and technology platforms, across external stakeholders & channels
• Provide communications support and coaching to Expert Function Leaders, like Discovery Sciences and Clinical operations with regard to communicating scientific messages and external communications generally e.g. social
• Serves as counsellor and support for executive communications/external engagements for R&D leaders. Includes supporting key activities such as media interviews and speaking engagements.
• Showcase and amplify scientific publications relating to R&D science and tech, and highlight and support scientists across our digital platforms
• Able to identify proactive comms opportunities and devise tactics that showcase R&D and are aligned with the overall strategy
• Support PR execution for partnering activities related to R&D science and tech, including development of press releases, statements, Q&As. Prepare for potential issues.
• Closely partner with AZ Global Media and digital communications teams on relevant communications activities and identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration activities

Requirements

• Candidates must have pharmaceutical or therapy area communications experience, specifically with R&D or early therapy area pipeline communications (not just generalist pharma experience)
• Strong preference for candidates with direct pipeline communications and early therapy area experience
• Contract is 6 months maximum; unlikely to extend beyond this
• Position requires working on-site (hybrid model: 3 days on-site, 2 days remote) in either Maryland or Massachusetts—no fully remote options or reduced on-site time
• Experience with digital platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram) is needed, but candidate does not need to be a digital “expert”; familiarity with running social campaigns and using platform/social technologies expected
• Corporate communications experience is not required, but experience within a large pharma company is preferred to ensure understanding of big pharma operations