Director, Global Media Relations - International

AstraZeneca; Dubai; On-site; AED 440,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Director Global Media Relations in Dubai. This role focuses on media relations and external communications strategies. The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years of experience, strong media relationships, and excellent communication skills. You will lead media campaigns, act as a spokesperson, and manage crisis communications. This position requires on-site presence three days per week and contributes to the company's science-led reputation in the industry.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in media relations for a multinational company.
• Strong relationships with financial, pharmaceutical and trade media.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of external communication strategies focused on media relations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key media outlets.
• Serve as spokesperson for the company on various topics and issues.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Crisis management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field

Job description

Director Global Media Relations - International

Location: Dubai UAE (on-site 3 days per week)

Are you ready to join a dynamic team at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation? As part of the fastest growing pharmaceutical company in our markets, you’ll fuel further growth and be part of a shared ambition and pride. With a strong heritage and commitment to international markets, there’s no better place to feel inspired and energized!

Accountabilities

The 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 International and Europe & Canada regions and those of Global Media Relations (GMR). It provides strategic communications counsel, assessment, integrated planning and execution in support of senior leaders, therapeutic areas (TA) and functional/cross‑functional objectives. The Director plays a key role in shaping external perceptions of AstraZeneca by proactively leading media engagement around key TA/brand achievements, 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 use external communication opportunities and identify issues to be mitigated.

• Develop and drive media relations campaigns and ongoing communication for use with media across the International and Europe & Canada regions to promote AstraZeneca, our brands and other initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key regional and national business trade and broadcast media outlets/reporters.
• Serve as spokesperson for the company on company topics, news flow and issues while proactively pitching media and responding to media requests.
• Develop statements, press releases and executive messages to reflect the company’s position on various proactive and reactive matters including material/share‑price sensitive events.
• Coach senior leaders on media interview techniques/external speaking skills and support senior leaders on media and speaking engagements.
• Collaborate closely with internal TA colleagues to ensure brand messages are proactively shared with top‑tier contacts and appropriately pulled through in all corporate external communications activities.
• Help lead issues management and crisis preparedness activities for situations that could adversely impact AstraZeneca.
• Support in developing and implementing a digital channel strategy for social, blog and website.
• Develop and maintain in close collaboration with the in‑country affiliates a media and social media measurement approach to evaluate progress against AstraZeneca’s corporate reputation objectives.
• Evaluate capabilities of in‑country spokespeople and media relations capabilities and develop and lead capability building programmes.

Essential Skills/Experience

• 10‑15 years of hands‑on experience in leading proactive/reactive media relations programmes on behalf of a multinational company involving complex regulatory, legal, financial, etc. issues including litigation and business results.
• A track record of maintaining strong relationships with financial, pharma, trade and consumer media.
• Previous employment in a regional or global level role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages across channels.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders to support media interviews and their effectiveness in other executive external engagements.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry.
• Prior journalism experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field.

In Office Requirement

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

At AstraZeneca you will find a workplace where high standards meet complex challenges. Our collective spirit fosters support and motivation empowering you to make your mark. With a focus on sustainability you can contribute to a future that extends beyond business projects. Here you can pursue your ambitions with confidence knowing you’re part of a responsible, value‑led organization.

So what’s next

Are you already envisioning yourself joining our team? Good because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Date Posted: 09-Jun-2025

Closing Date: 08-Jun-2025

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.

Required Experience: Exec