Associate Director; Corporate Affairs-Brand: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

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AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity. We have received many honors, including:

• Fortune World's Most Admired Companies list (2009)
• Woman Engineer Magazine's 18th Annual "Top 50 Employers" (2008)
• The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers (2007-2008)
• CEO Cancer Gold Standard Reaccreditation, CEO Roundtable on Cancer (2008 & 2009)
• 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers by Working Mother Magazine (2002 - 2008)
• 100 Best Companies to Work For in America by Fortune Magazine* (2008) *Only large pharmaceutical company included on the list
• Diversity MBA Magazine Top 50 Companies in Diversity Leadership (2008)
• Men's Fitness Top 15 Fittest Companies in America (2008)
• The Scientist Best Places to Work in Industry (2008)
• Fit-Friendly Company Award, American Heart Association (2007)
• Top Employer, Science Magazine (2002 - 2007)

Associate Director; Corporate Affairs-Brand

Job Summary

Responsibilities

Description:
Under the guidance of the Director, Corporate Affairs-Brand, in collaboration with relevant Commercial Leadership Team (s), establishes the US Strategic External Affairs (Public Relations and Alliance Development) Plan for the Brand(s) to support the achievement of the Brand(s) Annual Strategic and Operating Objectives. Manages the effective and successful implementation, monitoring, outcomes achievement and, if necessary, redirection of the plan. Each Associate Director in collaboration with the Director, Corporate Affairs-Brand, has the responsibility of crisis and issues management for the brand(s) and is the media spokesperson representing the brand. Each Associate Director has a responsibility to managing, mentoring and training of other employees within Corporate Affairs.

Major Responsibilities:
Directs the development of an integrated US strategic external affairs (Public Relations and Alliance Development) plan for all assigned Brands that support the successful achievement of the Brands' strategic and operating objectives.

Must interface with Senior/Executive level. In support of Director, Corporate Affairs-Brand, must appropriately brief CLT, VP's and the appropriate members of USLT on issues and press releases being issued.

Coordinates with global counterparts to ensure US needs are clearly articulated and supported globally, and that the US Brand External Affairs plan is consistent where appropriate, with global messaging.

Manages cross-brand image/signature programs with links to corporate reputation and responsibility initiatives, which speak to our Patient Health First commitment.

Supports Director, Corporate Affairs-Brand, in leading issues management for each brand and provides proactive, strategic external affairs recommendations and issues management counsel and recommendations to relevant Commercial Leadership Team(s).

Analyzes external environment and makes recommendations to business if anything could have an impact on the business (scenario plans).

Supports Director, Corporate Affairs-Brand, in providing external expertise for all relevant Brands, to all relevant Commercial Leadership Teams and to Corporate Affairs:
· Is the media spokesperson for all relevant Brands
· Is the secondary point of contact for all corporate affairs issues and programs for all relevant Commercial Leadership Teams
· Guides and implements US Brand External Affairs plans address the critical concerns and interests of targeted multi-cultural audiences and diverse populations where appropriate and funded
· Directs alliance development strategy for Brand to meet Brand objectives. Establishes and/or enhances relationships with appropriate patient advocacy associations
· Directs internal communications for the brand to both headquarters and importantly salesforce, to ensure the establishment and implementation of an effective, integrated, internal communications program in support of Brand strategic goals.
· Establishes Brand External Affairs Plans and their operating budgets with all external agencies engaged in the external affairs work in support of the brand(s) assigned. Manages the activities to deliver desired outcomes within the established budget.

Is responsible for directing and the managing of 3-4 reports.
· Recruits, hires, manages, develops and retains staff who are professional, who deliver the requisite high quality service and support to their Brands and Commercial Leadership Teams, and who demonstrate a desire for and a capacity for personal, professional, and organizational growth and development.

Ensures compliance standards are met or exceeded for Brand Corporate Affairs team

Qualifications

· BS/BA degree in public relations or affairs, communications, marketing, or related field
· Minimum of 7-10 years experience in public affairs
· Previous track record for developing strategy for corporate affairs, direct media/spokesperson experience, interfacing with leadership within an organization
· Demonstrated success and effectiveness at delivering required outcomes in positions with ever-increasing levels of responsibility, authority, accountability and organizational impact
· Demonstrated understanding of and ability to perform effectively and successfully in the industry and in the environment in which it operates.

Skills and Competencies:
· Role-models leadership in the broader AstraZeneca context and is inspirational in translating AZ's vision and what it means for his/her work unit
· Listens attentively and responds constructively to the needs, viewpoints, and interests of others. Effective communicator: verbal and written.
· Demonstrates strategic thinking, planning and strategic influencing capabilities. Communicates an aligned, clear vision for the future role of his/her own work unit with clearly focused priorities
· Effective team leadership and management abilities. Strives to improve cross-functional working and eliminate non-value adding activities
· Strong developer of organization, team, and individual. Expresses consistent commitment to company's objectives, priorities and values by visible actions.
· Takes initiative, makes decisions, operates independently and is an effective team member, operates interdependently, builds consensus decisions
· Demonstrates general business literacy, knowledge and acumen along with demonstrated proficiency in functional/technical/professional discipline.
· Demonstrated ability to set and successfully manage to a budget.
· Comfortable and competent problem-solver; solution-oriented; not constrained by process or precedent
· Demonstrates ability to be influential by identifying key stakeholders, adapting approach to gain their commitment and delivering business objectives

Preferred Background:
· Pharmaceutical corporate affairs or product public relations experience in top pharma company
· PR agency experience desirable

We want you to build a balanced life at AstraZeneca. Your career is just one part of that. We offer competitive salaries, rewards and recognitions for your invaluable time and efforts. We also bring you all the things you need to for your life outside of your work:

• generous health and welfare benefits
• flexible scheduling
• child care programs
• learning and development opportunities
• fitness centers
• and other personal conveniences

At AstraZeneca, we put people first. Whether it's the patients we help or the employees who make everything we do possible.

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer.