Director Scientific Communications and Engagement

Role Summary

The Director, Scientific Communications shapes and leads the long-term communications strategy for BioPharma Clinical Operations, elevating the visibility, reputation, and impact of BioPharma ClinOps across R&D and the enterprise. This strategic role partners directly with the Head of Clinical Operations and senior leadership to craft a compelling, science anchored narrative of how Clinical Operations accelerates innovative, patient centric development. The Director will steward integrated internal and external communications, thought leadership, leader visibility, and enterprise storytelling grounded in a deep understanding of clinical development, operational excellence, data/digital transformation, and compliance.

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‚Äô 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 ‚Äúleaders as communicators‚Äù 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.

Qualifications

• Degree in Communications or Journalism.
• 5+ years‚Äô 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.

Desirable

• Familiarity with AI assisted content, data storytelling, and measurement platforms.