Director, Communications Italy Milano

Director, Communications Italy
Milano
Lombardia, Milano

Some opportunities happen only once in a lifetime - like a job where you have the chance to change lives.

At Alexion, people living with rare and devastating diseases are our Guiding Star.

We are driven to continuously innovate and create meaningful value in all we do to help patients and families fully live their best lives.

We value the uniqueness and diversity of our employees and recognize that nurturing the diverse perspectives and strengths of our people translates into innovative breakthroughs for patients.

**Director, Communications Italy

Reports to:

Head of International Communications

**Location**:

Milan, Italy

**Position Summary

The Director, Communications for Italy leads all communications for Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease in Italy.

She/he is responsible for the strategy, planning, and hands-on execution of globally and regionally aligned local communications to support Alexion's portfolio and reputation.

She/he is a member of the Italian Leadership Team as well as the International Communications team, within the Corporate Affairs Function.

She/he will report to the Head of International Communications with an indirect report to the Vice President and General Manager Italy.

This position also acts as the site communications lead for Alexion's employee presence in Milan.

She/he will work with local HR and business leaders (who may or may not be directly affiliated with their work leading communications for Italy) to create and implement internal communications strategies for all employees in Milan.

**Job Duties & Responsibilities

- Develop annual communication strategies and execute them in collaboration with Italian management, Alexion Communications and Global Corporate Affairs.

- Align local objectives for corporate reputation, disease awareness and product communications with global strategies and local plans.

- Develop local country materials/adapt global materials (e. g.

press releases, statements, talking points, Q&As, fact sheets, etc. )

and manage the internal review process.

- Monitor and manage issues that could impact Alexion success or company reputation in Italy.

- Integrate communications efforts with cross-functional teams such as Government Affairs, Commercial/Marketing, Patient Advocacy, Market Access, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure strategic, consistent and effective communications on key topics/issues/initiatives.

- Work closely with the Head of International Communications to support initiatives (e. g.

related to major milestones) and implement broader corporate communications initiatives at the local level.

- Work with the General Managers and local teams, as well as the Global Culture & Internal Communications teams, to inform employees and support engagement.

- Identify, contract and lead/manage/oversee agencies engaged to support communications activities in Italy.

- Manage in-country communications budget.

- Be a team player and pitch-in on various other department projects as the need arises.

**Essential** Qualifications

- 10+ years of experience in in-house and/or agency communications in a health care setting.

- Strong and broad background in communications in the bio/pharmaceutical industry.

- Robust media relations experience.

- Experience in content for digital and social media.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Knowledge of the local media landscape as well as relationships with Italian national and regional media.

- Robust working experience in international and intercultural settings.

- Fluency in Italian and English.

**Preferred** Qualifications

- Experience leading communications for an affiliate of a larger health care company.

- Experience working within a European communications team.

- Other language commonly spoken in Europe.

AstraZeneca completed its acquisition of Alexion, marking the creation of Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

If you're interested in career opportunities with AstraZeneca, click here.