Director, Sustainability Global Internal Communications

Mississauga, ON

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

The Director, Global Sustainability Internal Communications will play a pivotal role in engaging our 83,000 + employees and key internal partners to support advancement of our company’s leading sustainability positioning and demonstrate AstraZeneca’s dedication to addressing major societal issues (including climate change, access to healthcare, inclusion & diversity) through effective use of corporate internal channels and spokespersons to deliver continued news flow, engagement and internal campaigns.

The role will be accountable for driving internal engagement on sustainability ambition through delivery of impactful communications that advise and educate; connect sustainability to the core business to drive action on our core Programmes; and encourage and build pride in our bold commitments and approach. The role will work closely with colleagues in Global Sustainability, Internal Communications, Corporate Communications, Global Policy, Therapy Areas, and regional and in-market corporate affairs teams. This position will lead internal communications and engagement on our interconnected sustainability approach and sustainability narrative.

At AstraZeneca, sustainability spans Access to Healthcare, Environment Protection and Ethics & Transparency. By connecting and leveraging our flagship programmes across these three pillars, which include Ambition Zero Carbon (AstraZeneca’s science-based decarbonisation strategy), the Sustainable Markets Initiative Health Systems Task Force, Young Health Programme (YHP) and Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR), for example, we have the opportunity to advance our sustainability agenda globally, regionally and in key markets, whilst driving authentic thought leadership, strengthening our corporate reputation, and enhancing employee engagement.

Importantly, this role will lead compelling internal communications strategies and delivery including on: our enterprise Sustainability strategy and delivery; quarterly sustainability performance; how we are delivering sustainable science – from the lab to patient; and as well as our efforts in driving sustainable healthcare reform and taking action to address some of the most critical macro issues of our time, including climate change, health equity and health systems resilience.

The role will also be responsible for supporting senior leadership, including the EVP Chief Sustainability Officer and VP Global Sustainability, on effective delivery of sustainability programmes.

There is the opportunity to make a significant, positive difference in this role and bringing our employees along with us as we work to drive positive change through collaboration to ensure a healthy future for people, society and the planet.

Typical Accountabilities:

Develop & deliver internal elements of corporate affairs strategies, communications campaigns and toolkits for global sustainability announcements and/or achievements.
Plan and deliver internal communication activities to drive employee engagement around our major breakthroughs
Drive increased employee awareness of AZC targets and delivery against targets.
Deliver sustainability content and strong pull-through of sustainability story in AZ global internal comms, incl. quarterly results, end of year webcast, senior leader meetings, core strategy documents, etc.
Work closely with Global Internal, Business Partnering, Regional and SET area comms teams to reach employees in all parts of AZ.
Ensure uptake and use of Sustainability Corporate Affairs materials, incl. best practice assets, resulting in consistent messaging.
Manage external agency relationships.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and experience:

10+ years working in the corporate affairs/communications field
Strategic communications background, with demonstrated results within a leading company or agency
Track record of leading internal campaigns, employee engagement and issues and crisis management for a complex enterprise with multiple partners
Ability to work under pressure and prioritise accordingly
Excellent writing skills
Strategic and creative problem solver able to see and leverage connections and improve the value of opportunities in outstanding and engaging ways
Proven track record of influencing colleagues and senior leaders across organisations
“Self-starter” with evidence of capability for matrix and cross-functional working
Ability to utilise channels for business benefit within resource limits

Desirable skills:

Pharmaceutical industry or multinational company experience
Relevant vocational qualifications or equivalent experience
Experience working in multiple markets

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.

We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.

We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.