Associate Director, US Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

We are seeking an Associate Director, US Internal Communications & Employee Engagement to lead employee-focused communications and engagement initiatives across our largest market, with a strong emphasis on culture, connection, community impact, and purpose.

Reporting to the US, Head of Corporate Communications, this role will support development and delivery of a comprehensive US internal communications and employee engagement strategy that informs, inspires, and connects employees to our business priorities, culture, and patient impact.

This position will play a key role in shaping the employee experience through strategic communications, leadership visibility, engagement campaigns, and purpose-driven programs, including oversight of the Power of Us employee giving program and coordination of the US disaster relief partnerships.

Responsibilities:

Employee Communications & Engagement:

• Support development and delivery of an integrated US internal communications strategy to engage employees around AstraZeneca's purpose, business priorities, culture, Values, and impact.

• Create and execute integrated internal communications campaigns that educate, connect, and inspire employees, using a mix of channels, storytelling, and leadership communications.

• Drive key employee engagement moments and milestones across the US, including town halls, all-employee meetings, leadership visits, business updates, culture campaigns, and other high-impact internal events.

• Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to develop compelling messages, presentations, talking points, and communications plans that strengthen employee understanding and connection.

Power of Us Employee Giving Program:

• Lead the communications and engagement strategy for the Power of Us employee giving program in the US, driving awareness, participation, and employee pride in AstraZeneca's community impact efforts.

• Partner with relevant internal teams and external stakeholders to manage annual giving campaigns, volunteer engagement storytelling, employee participation efforts, and program communications throughout the year.

• Develop compelling content and campaigns that highlight employee generosity, community partnerships, and measurable outcomes, helping reinforce AstraZeneca's purpose and values – as well as the program's connection to our Sustainability and Health Equity priorities.

Disaster Relief Partnerships:

• Support and help coordinate US disaster relief partnerships, including timely, thoughtful, and well-managed employee communications during natural disasters or other emergency response situations.

• Partner across functions to activate internal communications, employee giving or matching campaigns, and relevant support resources when needed.

• Develop clear, empathetic, and action-oriented communications that inform employees of available support, opportunities to contribute, and AstraZeneca's response efforts.

Leadership Communications & Culture:

• Support executive and senior leadership communications that build trust, visibility, and engagement across AstraZeneca's full US employee population.

• Help shape a strong internal narrative for AstraZeneca in the US that connects business performance, innovation, patients, culture, and community impact in a meaningful way for employees.

• Identify opportunities to elevate employee voice and recognition, spotlighting stories that reflect AstraZeneca's values, inclusion, innovation, and commitment to patients and society.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement:

• Use data, feedback, and channel analytics to assess the effectiveness of internal communications and engagement activities, identify trends, and continuously improve impact.

• Help evolve internal communications channels, processes, and best practices to ensure an effective and employee-centric approach that prioritizes two-way communications.

• Bring forward new ideas, digital approaches, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance content development, targeting, efficiency, and employee engagement.

Capabilities and Behaviors:

• 7+ years of communications experience, with a strong focus on internal communications, employee engagement, corporate communications, or related subject areas in a fast-paced in-house or agency environment.

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field.

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling, and audience-relevant messaging.

• Demonstrated success developing and delivering impactful internal communications and employee engagement programs across multiple channels, with clear measures of success.

• Experience supporting employee giving, community engagement, or purpose-led programs is strongly preferred, including campaign management and stakeholder coordination.

• Experience working on sensitive or time-critical communications, including issues management or disaster/emergency response communications, is preferred.

• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a highly dynamic environment.

• Strong digital communications skills and knowledge, including experience using data, channels, and AI tools to strengthen communications effectiveness.

• Self-starter with proven ability to work independently, think ahead, engage proactively, and take initiative.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information with care.

• Comfortable operating in a matrixed environment and building strong networks across teams and functions.