EUCAN Communications Director, Rare Disease

AstraZeneca

14d ago

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Government & Politics
Marketing
Zürich
Quick Apply

AI generated summary

You must have extensive communications experience, strong business acumen, expertise in rare diseases, crisis management skills, and be fluent in English with excellent media communication abilities.
You will lead EUCAN communications for Rare Disease, focusing on corporate, media, and internal communications while driving strategy, enhancing engagement, and supporting executive visibility.

Requirements

Extensive and varied experience in the communications arena (preferably with previous experience at Marketing Company and Regional level)
Strong track record in delivering impactful external communication strategies
Strong business acumen and proven success in connecting critical communications to business outcomes
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
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)
Expertise in Rare Diseases
Experience with medical product and data communications/news flow

Responsibilities

The Director, EUCAN Communications will provide communications expertise to the EUCAN Region for Rare Disease, including corporate communications, media relations, executive leader visibility and internal communications.
The role reports into the Vice President, Corporate Affairs EUCAN and Alexion International and works closely with the Director for EUCAN Government Affairs for Rare Disease. They will work with the regional and global cross-functional teams to develop, as well as with the markets across the region, to drive and deliver a coordinated communications strategy aligned to regional business priorities and our Global Corporate Affairs objectives.
They will counsel and provide guidance to the Senior Vice President, Alexion EUCAN and International, as well as members of the leadership team. In addition to providing direct communications support, they will develop and support delivery of prioritised and balanced internal and external communications initiatives to support the EUCAN business priorities.
External communications initiatives will predominantly focus on and improving/protecting the reputation of the company, supporting our Rare Disease TA shaping priorities, issues management and message development. Internal communications initiatives will predominantly focus on driving increased employee engagement, equipping leaders to engage their teams and inspiring change. It 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 EUCAN in-market communicators to optimise alignment, efficiencies and best practice.
Collaborate with the EUCAN Corporate Affairs team to build and drive successful implementation of integrated communications strategies across corporate, internal, media, Rare Disease and above-TA.
Identify and align on key strategic external communications priorities that will support the delivery of the EUCAN and International CA strategy for Rare Disease. Work closely together with the Global Comms teams to shape content development.
Provide business partner support to SVP Alexion EUCAN and International to support delivery of strategic priorities. This demands a strategic approach as well as strong execution skills.
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.
Discover opportunities for SVP EUCAN and International as well as the Leadership Team on their internal/external engagements, supporting delivery of prioritised communications activities e.g. media engagement, speeches, presentations, etc.
Represent EUCAN 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 contribute towards the EUCAN communicators’ network, achieving optimum 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.
In partnership with global internal communications, develop regional employee engagement strategies and effective employee communication channels to inspire change and deepen understanding of company strategy and its application in the region.
Supporting significant organisational change programmes, reputation management activity.

FAQs

What is the main responsibility of the EUCAN Communications Director for Rare Disease?

The main responsibility is to provide communications expertise for the EUCAN Region regarding Rare Disease, focusing on corporate communications, media relations, executive leader visibility, and internal communications.

Who does the EUCAN Communications Director report to?

The EUCAN Communications Director reports into the Vice President, Corporate Affairs EUCAN and Alexion International.

What kind of experience is essential for this role?

Extensive and varied experience in the communications arena, especially at a Marketing Company and Regional level, strong track record in delivering impactful external communication strategies, and experience in successful change communication program implementation are essential.

What kind of team collaboration is expected in this role?

The role requires collaboration with the EUCAN Corporate Affairs team, Global Corporate Affairs, and regional and global cross-functional teams to develop and deliver coordinated communications strategies.

Is knowledge of Rare Diseases required for this position?

While expertise in Rare Diseases is desirable, it is not listed as an essential requirement.

What languages are required for the EUCAN Communications Director role?

Fluency in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills is required.

Will the EUCAN Communications Director be involved in crisis management?

Yes, the role requires experience in crisis and/or issues management.

What are some internal communication initiatives this role will focus on?

Internal communication initiatives will aim to drive increased employee engagement, equip leaders to engage their teams, and inspire change, as well as manage and develop communication channels.

What kind of organizational change support will this role provide?

The role will support significant organizational change programs and reputation management activities.

What is the structure of the working environment?

The working environment is hybrid, with an expectation of being in the office for a minimum of three days a week, while also allowing for individual flexibility.

AstraZeneca

What science can do

Science & Healthcare

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

We're transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet. AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. With a focus on innovative research and development, AstraZeneca develops and manufactures a wide range of prescription medicines, including treatments for cardiovascular, respiratory, oncology, and other therapeutic areas. Their aim is to transform the lives of patients by discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that address unmet medical needs. AstraZeneca's purpose is to push the boundaries of science and collaborate with healthcare professionals, organisations, and communities to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of healthcare globally.