Director of Communications, Global Respiratory & Immunology
At a glance
Director-level Communications role at AstraZeneca. Gaithersburg · full-time · $146,716–$220,075 base.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Shape global communications from late-stage development through launch, covering data releases, regulatory moments, congresses and partnerships
- Turn disease and medicine stories into messages, proof points, press materials and spokesperson preparation for global and local audiences
- Coordinate media, country teams, investor relations, external experts and investigators around communications priorities
- Run digital and social activity, internal engagement, patient-group programs, and preparation for issues or crises
- Set program goals and measures, manage agency resources, and track delivery across markets
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree and ten to fifteen years in communications for global pharma or life sciences
- Significant experience preparing for and managing issues affecting global brands
- A record of delivering strategic communications programs and using paid and organic digital channels
- Strong knowledge of healthcare compliance, plus the ability to advise senior leaders and simplify technical material
Who this fits
This director-level role suits someone who can combine global strategic counsel with hands-on communications delivery across varied audiences. The position is based in Gaithersburg, United States.
From the employer
AstraZeneca is committed to transforming care for some of the most debilitating and chronic respiratory and immune-mediated diseases. Our portfolio of inhaled and biologic medicines, and our pipeline for the future, seeks to address the challenges and vast unmet medical needs patients face today.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Execution: Develop and deliver global communications plans from Phase 2b through launch with consideration of the full franchise, including milestones, data readouts, regulatory events, congress presence, partnerships and driven responses.
Narrative & Content: Build compelling disease and asset narratives with clear messages and proof points; produce press releases, Q&As and materials for global and local use; prepare and train spokespeople.
Stakeholder & Media Engagement: Collaborate with global/regional media and country teams; support investor communications with Investor Relations; engage external experts and investigators.
Digital & Social: Lead deployment across corporate digital/social channels, using paid and organic opportunities.
Internal Communications: Drive internal understanding and engagement for key assets; partner with leaders and Global Internal Communications.
Patient Advocacy: Build relationships and co-create programs with patient groups to advise strategy and drive shared agendas in coordination with the Policy & Advocacy team for R&I
Issues & Crisis: Lead issues preparedness and crisis management, including scenario planning, training, tracking and alignment across markets.
Program Management: Optimize agencies and resources; set objectives and critical metrics; ensure strong project management and measurement.
Qualifications / Experience
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree; 10-15 years in global pharma/life sciences communications.
Expertise: Proven delivery of strategic, content-rich programs; deep understanding of healthcare regulations, compliance, and stakeholder perspectives (physicians, payers, patients).
Advisory & Influence: Credible advisor to senior leaders; adept at translating strategy into communications (including PowerPoint and digital); strong cross-functional and cross-geography influence.
Issues Leadership: Significant experience in issues preparedness/management for global brands.
Digital & Internal Comms: Strong track record in organic/paid digital; effective internal engagement and change communications.
Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated leadership, coaching ability, and collaborative ways of working.
Global Mindset: Cultural fluency; combines critical thinking with hands-on delivery; skilled at simplifying scientific/technical content for varied audiences.
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and spark your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $146,716.80 to $220,075.20 USD. 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.
So, what’s next?
Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours!
Date Posted
16-Oct-2026Closing Date
29-Oct-2026Our 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.
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