Senior Director, Cambridge Communications, 12 month FTC / Secondment

Overview

Senior Director, Cambridge Communications – 12 month FTC / Secondment

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

At AstraZeneca (AZ), science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible to turn science into life-changing medicines for patients who need them. We deliver breakthrough science by creating thriving, vibrant and open science centres where our scientists are free to pursue their ideas and collaborate with colleagues and our academic and industry partners.

We are headquartered in Cambridge, UK, home to The DISC – a large UK research and development facility where more than 2,000 employees work with external partners in drug discovery and development. The DISC is designed to strengthen collaboration, promote openness, and improve the sustainability of our science and business operations.

As the Senior Director, Cambridge Communications, you will define and drive activities that enhance our reputation in Cambridge and strengthen relationships within this ecosystem and beyond. You will become a key representative of AZ in the Cambridge community and guide the development and execution of a robust programme of activities that support the company’s strategy and maximise impact in Cambridge, bringing together diverse stakeholder needs and optimising our external communications, STEM, campus vibrancy and community relationships.

You will be a key member of the R&D Communications teams, working closely with internal stakeholders across Global Corporate Affairs (GCA) and the broader organisation to ensure the role of AZ in Cambridge – and our most exciting science – is showcased and understood, positioning AstraZeneca as a science-led organisation, a business leader and a partner and employer of choice.

Accountabilities

• Act as a key representative of AstraZeneca within the Cambridge community, contributing and learning from others in the wider ecosystem, and translating these insights into activities.

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated corporate affairs strategy and plan that showcases AstraZeneca’s leadership and positive impact to enhance reputation and collaborations in Cambridge, including internal, external and STEM activities. Align activities with internal stakeholders to maximise broader impact within the UK and globally.

• Reinforce and lead the company’s approach to external/strategic stakeholder engagement in Cambridge and serve as an effective ambassador in the community.

• Ensure Cambridge milestones, events and external news flow are maximised and effectively managed to achieve Cambridge objectives.

• Identify and mobilise input and output from key groups including media relations, government affairs, community relations, R&D, digital/social media, internal communications and recruitment marketing to deliver reputation-enhancing communications programmes and events.

• Anticipate and manage reputational issues in addition to playing a corporate affairs leadership role in business continuity/incident management if required.

• Build and expand measurable impact of AZ STEM activities in the UK, and ensure alignment with wider STEM and early careers activities.

• Align activities with other Cambridge community support programmes (managed in Ops BAU) focusing on science education in the community.

• Provide coaching and counsel on corporate affairs topics to internal stakeholders including senior leaders on the Cambridge Site Leadership Team.

• Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools. Monitor external environment to identify local and national communication opportunities and risks.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Established track record of delivering impactful, integrated corporate affairs strategies and plans in support of business priorities across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success.

• Experience in creating and developing networks with an entrepreneurial approach and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

• Understanding of the UK Life-sciences and/or Cambridge ecosystem, with ability to navigate challenges and opportunities they present.

• Broad, multi-channel communication experience including media, events, digital, change and crisis communications.

• Working knowledge of the UK political and media environment.

• Experience managing different internal and external stakeholder relationships; confident around senior leaders; comfortable delivering contrary viewpoints when necessary.

• Strong issues management capability across corporate affairs disciplines with sound judgment and reputational radar.

• High integrity, able to handle highly confidential/sensitive information.

• Track record of team and programme leadership with exceptional influencing and relationship-building skills.

• Team player with high motivation and personal accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the team.

• Excellent eye for detail and upholding visual and verbal identity.

• Able to develop and maintain relationships across business and cultural boundaries.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite ambitious 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. We balance the expectation of being in the office with flexible work arrangements.

Why AstraZeneca?

Join a hardworking distributed team powering AstraZeneca to better serve patients. We offer opportunities for growth and reward collective successes across the business, with a generous benefits package that recognises long-term dedication.

How to apply

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to become part of our diverse team.

Where to find out more

Social media presence: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram – see AstraZeneca Careers pages for details.

Date Posted 24-Oct-2025

Closing Date 09-Nov-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates perform at their best. If you need any adjustments, please complete the section in the application form.