Associate Director, RDU IT Communications and Change Management

Introduction:

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead communication and change management efforts within Alexion-Rare Disease Unit (RDU) IT. As the Associate Director of RDU IT Communications and Change Management, you will develop and execute strategies that enhance employee engagement, foster innovation, and drive performance during RDU IT’s transformational journey. You will ensure clear and impactful communication of RDU IT initiatives, including digital innovation and AI innovation, aligning with broader organizational goals.

Working closely with the Head of RDU IT, you will deliver creative, visually engaging presentations that reflect AstraZeneca and Alexion co-branding, while guiding stakeholders on best communication practices. Building trust, credibility, and collaboration is essential, as is the ability to deliver effective multi-channel communications. A strong background in Pharma, IT, and digital communications, coupled with excellent writing, planning, and project management skills, is critical for success.

Accountabilities:

• Lead communication initiatives for the Head of RDU IT and the senior leadership team.
• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan for RDU IT, aligned with business priorities.
• Manage communications, engagement, and adoption strategies for AI and digital transformation initiatives across RDU IT, translating emerging technology priorities into practical, human-centered campaigns, and leadership-driven communications.
• Plan and deliver flagship activities including townhalls, leader meetings, blogs/vlogs, organizational announcements, and awards submissions.
• Serve as the steward of RDU IT’s storytelling, messaging, and branding, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Support RDU IT employees in communication and change management capabilities to enhance collaboration, adaptability, and career growth.
• Build and support communications and engagement plans for major technology rollouts, product launches, process changes, and user onboarding initiatives.
• Showcase RDU IT's transformation and successes through diverse media channels.
• Partner with process owners and leaders across IT and key business areas to enable operational change initiatives.
• Collaborate with Alexion Corporate and Global IT Communication teams to align communication and change plans.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to RDU IT leadership, shaping executive narratives, leadership messages, strategy updates.
• Measure the effectiveness of communication efforts and change initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee contract resources supporting communication activities, ensuring compliance and successful delivery.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• At least 10 years of communications experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role driving change and communication strategies.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proven success in global, fast-paced communications with innovative strategies that achieve measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications and change enablement for digital transformation, AI, technology adoption, or enterprise IT initiatives
• Experience in employee and leader engagement, change communications, event management, and strategic campaign execution.
• Advanced skills in PowerPoint, with strong attention to detail, design, storytelling.
• Proficient writer/editor, adept at crafting clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences using multi-channel communication tools.
• Expertise in change management and transformation strategies with measurable success in driving enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to shifting priorities, and guide teams through complex scenarios.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Skilled in measuring communication effectiveness and fostering collaboration to advance organizational priorities.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and advanced communication design tools.
• Experience in website design and content management for user-friendly digital experiences.
• Established track record advising senior leaders on communication and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience managing communication for IT transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with change management methodologies and their integration into communication strategies.
• Passionate about fostering collaboration, driving performance culture, and delivering organizational transformation outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building skills across diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 128,937.6 to 193,406.4 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. 

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.

Why AstraZeneca:
Here, you are trusted to take accountability and make change real—pairing scientific ambition with digital innovation to speed therapies to patients. You will work with expert partners across disciplines, using data, automation, and practical problem-solving to reimagine how critical materials flow through a complex, regulated network. We move decisively and learn fast, valuing kindness alongside ambition, so you can contribute boldly, grow your craft, and see the impact of your decisions reflected in patient outcomes and enterprise progress.

Call to Action:
If you are ready to design, lead, and scale a disciplined, data-driven trade compliance operation that keeps cell therapies moving to patients, take the next step and share your story with us today.

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Our 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.