We are a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Ultimately, our aim is to find solutions that prevent, treat and even cure some of the world’s most complex diseases. Whether that’s by shaping the patient ecosystem and focusing on outcomes, or by progressing potential medicines and accelerating their launch.

As part of the Access Services team, the Associate Director, Marketing and Communications is responsible for development and implementation of the Access Services Marketing and Communications strategy. This requires cross-functional collaboration, with Access Services, Brand, and Market Access leadership, to deliver portfolio-level strategic plans that maximize customer awareness of AZ’s Access Services programs, resources, and patient support offerings. The Associate Director is expected to demonstrate knowledge of digital and print marketing innovations/strategies, with strong marketing and communications acumen, and the ability to collaborate with multiple functions and agencies.

This position will report into the Senior Director of Strategy, Access Services, and will work in close partnership with other members of Access Services team, AZ cross functional partners, and with external suppliers.

This position may be based at our Gaithersburg, MD, or Wilmington, DE, campuses . Business travel, by air or car, is required for regular internal and external business meetings.

What You’ll Do

• Development of Branding, Marketing, and Communication strategies for Access Services; to create and raise awareness around patient support offerings, services, and programs
• Development and implementation of ongoing enhancements to Access Services digital and print resources
• Oversee submissions for required approvals, ensuring programs meet AZ legal, regulatory, and compliance standards
• Collaborate with brand leaders to support launch readiness and facilitate coordination for messaging and resource availability
• Engage with AS functional areas, brand teams, Market Access, Sales, Account Managers, and other teams to ensure alignment of strategies, objectives, and execution
• Partner with Leadership and cross-functional communications partners to build/deliver internal and external  communication agendas that ensure relevant audiences are engaged with information
• Define the strategic focus and develop content for functional, broader AZ, and external engagements such as Town Hall meetings/broadcasts, professional society meetings, internal/external online communications
• Management of the Access Services Marketing budget
• Coach and lead team of Marketing Managers and Associates to drive performance and career growth
• Cultivate and own relationships with agencies and vendor partners

Essential for the Role

• Bachelor’s degree (MBA or other related graduate-level degree is preferred)
• 10+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry and at least 5 years’ experience in a marketing and/or strategy function or life sciences management consulting
• In-depth Marketing experience (developing strategy, performing positioning, messaging, segmentation, targeting, managing ad agency, providing direction on annual budget planning)
• Proven experience developing and executing marketing and communications initiatives within the biotech environment
• Knowledge of reimbursement and patient assistance programs; current and emerging issues impacting Access and Affordability environment in U.S.
• Consultative and visionary approach
• Strategic planning and execution skills with an ability to oversee multiple projects, in parallel, with strong relationship management skills
• Budget and vendor management experience
• Exceptional writing (creative and technical) and presentation development skills

Desirable for the Role

• Previous experience in other functions within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industry is preferred, such as Marketing, Field Reimbursement, Managed Care Marketing, customer service, hub operations, etc.
• Experience working in commercial alliance/partnership environment