Head of Communications

**About AstraZeneca**

At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re resetting expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We’re focused on the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We commit to those areas where we think we can really change the course of medicine and bring big new ideas to life.

**What you'll do**

As the Head of Communication you oversee implementation of external communications strategies and support planning and execution to deliver against Austrian and global external communications priorities.** **You provide strategic communications counsel, assessment, integrated planning and execution in support of senior leaders, Therapeutic Areas (TA), and functional/cross-functional objectives. You shape external perceptions of AstraZeneca and proactively communicate the company’s position on key TA/brand milestones, major initiatives, issues and policies that contribute to a positive company reputation. You assess competitive, media, and overall external landscape to leverage external communication opportunities and identify issues to be mitigated. In this position you will report to the Country President of AstraZeneca Austria.

**Other responsibilities will include**:

- Develops and executes media relations campaigns and ongoing communication for use with Austrian media to promote AstraZeneca, our brands, and other initiatives.
- Builds and maintains relationships with key top-tier national, business & health media representatives.
- Serves beside the Country President and Medical Directot as spokesperson for company on key company topics, news flow, and issues, while proactively pitching media and responding to incoming media requests.
- Develops statements, press releases, and executive messages to reflect the company’s position on various proactive and reactive matters, including material/share-price sensitive news.
- Partners closely with Global / Regional Media Team colleagues about ongoing company news flow and issues related messages.
- Supports senior leaders with developing media interview techniques/external speaking skills and supports senior leaders on media and speaking engagements.
- Collaborates closely with internal TA colleagues to ensure brand messages are proactively shared with Austrian top-tier contacts and appropriately pulled through in all corporate external communications activities.
- Helps lead issues management and crisis preparedness activities for situations that could adversely impact AstraZeneca.
- Collaborates with HR & Talent Acquisition to create digital external employer branding campaigns
- Supports in further developing and executing a digital channels strategy for social, blog and website
- Ensures that internal communication strategy is aligned with the external strategy and supports all employees in understanding global communication messages

**Requirements**:
Essential:

- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field
- A minimum of 10-years of hands-on experience in managing proactive/reactive media relations programs involving complex regulatory, legal, financial, etc. issues - including litigation and business results preferred
- Experience with business and consumer media relations
- Experience working with senior leaders and supporting media interview and visibility in other executive external engagements
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in German and English language
- German native speaker

Desired:

- Global or European experience
- Having worked in an international corporation under matrix structure
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry
- Public relations background, or journalism experience

**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 unleash 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.

**So what’s next?**

**Where can you find out more?**

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

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