Director, Global Oncology Policy & Advocacy (Breast Cancer & Pan Tumour)

Director, Global Oncology Policy & Advocacy (Breast Cancer & Pan Tumour)

Gaithersburg, USA

Are you ready to shape the future of cancer care by turning scientific breakthroughs into system-wide change? Do you see policy as the lever that unlocks earlier diagnosis, smarter care pathways and better outcomes for millions of patients? 

As Director, Global Oncology Policy & Advocacy, you will drive the next wave of impact by aligning public policy with rapid advances in oncology. You will lead priority efforts in breast cancer to strengthen pathways through wider adoption of biomarker testing and patient navigation, and across cancer types to build compelling investment cases that enable service transformation at scale. Working across global, regional and country teams, and in close partnership with scientific leaders, patient advocates and public health stakeholders, you will help define a clear vision for the future of cancer care and translate it into actionable reforms in health systems worldwide. 

Accountabilities:

• Global Oncology Policy Strategy: Shape and evolve a coherent, forward-leaning policy and advocacy agenda that enables health systems to keep pace with accelerating science and deliver better outcomes for patients.
• Breast Cancer Pathway Reform: Advance systemic adoption of biomarker testing and patient navigation by building evidence, co-creating solutions with clinical and patient communities, and enabling country teams to integrate new standards into care.
• Pan-tumour Investment Cases: Develop and socialize robust policy and economic narratives that demonstrate the societal value and return of dedicated funding for cancer service transformation, catalyzing multi-year commitments.
• Evidence Generation and Partnerships: Commission, synthesize and communicate data with external experts, medical societies and NGOs to inform policy design and accelerate real-world implementation.
• Advocacy and Stakeholder Mobilization: Build coalitions with government stakeholders, public health leaders and advocacy groups; equip internal and external champions with clear messages and tools to drive reform.
• Country Enablement and Localization: Translate global direction into adaptable frameworks, playbooks and pilots; support priority markets in tailoring strategies to local system needs and policy windows.
• Executive Influence and Communication: Advise senior leadership with crisp insights, risks and options; create narratives that align science, policy and business value to guide decision-making.
• Measurement and Governance: Define milestones, metrics and learning loops to track progress, course-correct quickly and scale what works across regions.​

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree is required
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems and how to drive healthcare policy change at country level
• Experience / track record of successful projects realized across diverse range of regions or countries
• Leadership capability with strong self-awareness and ability to identify winning strategies and solutions for multiple stakeholders and AstraZeneca
• Strategic thinker and ability to comprehend complex matters and chart a clear path forward
• Self-starting, independent, entrepreneurial attitude – a smart risk-taker who thrives on new challenges and on seeing things through to completion
• Eagerness and ability to collaborate with and mobilize different people and organizations; work effectively in a matrix organization and ability to prioritize effectively
• Ability to communicate highly effectively with senior leadership, peers, as well as with a variety of stakeholders 

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Advanced degree in public health, health policy, health economics, oncology, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in areas of oncology is preferred
• Direct experience shaping cancer control plans, reimbursement or screening policies with governments or multilateral organizations
• Expertise in biomarker testing ecosystems, patient navigation models and quality standards in oncology pathways
• Experience developing investment cases and health economic models for service transformation
• Proven leadership of multi-country initiatives and public–private partnerships in complex health systems
• Strong data literacy and ability to translate evidence into compelling policy narratives
• Multilingual capability and experience working across diverse cultural contexts
• 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, policy meets science at scale. You will collaborate with world-class researchers, data experts and advocates to turn cutting-edge oncology into real change for patients, leveraging a global network that moves quickly, shares openly and values kindness alongside ambition. With access to deep scientific insight, robust analytics and hands-on partners across functions and geographies, you will have the platform to test ideas in the real world, learn fast and expand what works—shaping policy that accelerates earlier diagnosis, equitable access and better outcomes everywhere.

If you’re ready to lead a global effort that turns scientific progress into system-level impact for people with cancer, we want to hear how you will make it happen! 

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $151,753.60 to $227,630.40. 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.

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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.