Director, Global Media Relations

Director, Global Media Relations

Washington, DC or Gaithersburg, DC

Global Corporate Affairs

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from office

The Global Media Relations Director leads implementation of external communications strategies, with a primary focus on media relations while also contributing to broader efforts to shape AstraZeneca’s external reputation. The role supports planning and execution aligned to the priorities of the global BioPharmaceuticals Business, and those of Global Media Relations (GMR). You will provide strategic communications counsel, assessment, integrated planning and execution in support of senior leaders, BioPharmaceuticals Business colleagues, and functional/cross-functional objectives.

You'll play a key role in shaping external perceptions of AstraZeneca by proactively managing media engagement around key BioPharmaceuticals Business /brand milestones, financial communications, major initiatives, policies and issues – reinforcing the company’s science-led reputation.  The role also involves assessing the competitive, media, and overall external landscape to leverage external communication opportunities and identify issues to be mitigated.

What you'll do

• Develops and implements media relations campaigns and ongoing communication for use with media across the global BioPharmaceuticals Business to promote AstraZeneca, our brands, and other initiatives.

• Builds and maintains relationships with global key top-tier regional and national, business, trade, and broadcast media outlets/reporters.

• Serves 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 events.

• Coaches senior leaders on media interview techniques/external speaking skills and supports on media and speaking engagements.

• Collaborates closely with internal Therapeutic Area (TA) colleagues to ensure brand messages are proactively shared with 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.

• Supports in developing and delivering a digital channels strategy for social, blog, and website.

• Develops and maintains, in close collaboration with the in-country affiliates, a media and social media measurement approach to evaluate progress against AstraZeneca’s corporate reputation objectives.

• Evaluates capabilities of in-country spokespeople and media relations capabilities and develops and manages capability building programmes.

Essential for the role

• Bachelor's Degree

• 10-15+ years of hands-on experience in managing proactive/reactive media relations programmes on behalf of a multinational company, involving complex regulatory, legal, financial, etc. issues including litigation and business results.

• Previous employment in a global level role. 

• Experience supporting a company within the STEM industry

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages across channels.

• Experience partnering with senior leaders to support media interviews and their effectiveness in other executive external engagements.

Desirable for the role

• Experience in the pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry, with a track record of maintaining strong relationships with financial, pharma trade and consumer media.

• Prior journalism experience.

• Geopolitical competence

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold 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. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $152,121.60 - 228,182.40 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

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Date Posted

12-Feb-2026

Closing Date

21-Feb-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.