Director, US Public Health Policy

Company: AstraZeneca
Location: Mount Rainier
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Are you ready to shape US public health policy to expand patient access and accelerate the impact of breakthrough medicines? Do you thrive at the intersection of science, policy, and public health, translating complex data into clear positions that move decision-makers? As Director, US Public Health Policy, you will lead high-stakes, data-driven policy strategies that enable our medicines to reach more patients, faster. You will work across national and state landscapes, partnering with regulators, agencies, and thought leaders to define positions that support both therapeutic priorities and our broader US business objectives. Your leadership will help connect policy innovation to measurable outcomes for patients and to the agility of our US operations. Accountabilities: Policy Leadership and Strategy: Lead the development and execution of data-driven policy objectives that increase patient access, ensuring evidence-based positions guide our engagement with federal and state stakeholders. Internal Education and Influence: Design programs and initiatives that equip internal teams with timely insights on public health policy developments, enabling better cross-functional decisions and market readiness. External Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate new and existing relationships with officials at HHS, FDA, NIH, CDC, and other agencies, as well as trade associations, think tanks, and third-party allies, to advance shared priorities and shape the policy environment. Position Development and Advocacy: Develop and execute public policy positions and strategies that align with US business goals and therapeutic area priorities, translating complex issues into actionable plans. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with US and Global Government Affairs to synchronize priorities, amplify our voice, and drive consistent advocacy across jurisdictions. Subject Matter Expertise and Awareness: Serve as a subject matter expert to support the Head of US Corporate Policy, delivering internal and external programs that raise awareness of key public health issues and their business impact. Trade Association Representation: Represent AstraZeneca in trade association work groups to advance our priorities and build coalitions that influence outcomes at scale. Thought Leadership and Communications: Provide clear, compelling communication of AstraZeneca positions to federal agencies and external stakeholders, establishing the organization as a leader on assigned issues and accelerating policy progress. Essential Skills/Experience: Lead the development and execution of data-driven policy objectives aimed at increasing patient access to our world-class portfolio of medicines Build programs and initiatives that educate internal stakeholders on major public health policy initiatives that impact our business Cultivate new and existing relationships with federal and state agency officials and external policy thought leaders Develop and execute public policy positions and strategies to support the goals of the US business as a whole, Therapeutic Area priorities, and US Corporate Affairs Collaborate closely with members of the US & Global Government Affairs teams on government affairs priorities Support the Head of US Corporate Policy in developing and executing internal and external programs to drive awareness around US public health policy issues serving as subject matter expert on assigned issues Join trade association work groups to represent and advance AstraZeneca’s priorities Demonstrate and maintain strong working relationships with key external stakeholders including but not limited to: HHS, FDA, NIH, CDC, trade associations, think tanks, and third-party allies Provide thought leadership through clear and impactful communication of AstraZeneca positions on assigned issues to federal agencies and other external stakeholders to help position the organization as an issue leader Desirable Skills/Experience: Deep understanding of US public health policy, including Medicare, Medicaid, commercial market dynamics, and regulatory processes Proven track record influencing policy outcomes through coalition-building, public comment development, and agency engagement Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sectors with familiarity across therapeutic areas Advanced degree in public policy, public health, health economics, law, or related field Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; ability to translate complex data into clear policy recommendations Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities with senior stakeholders, policymakers, and external partners Established network across federal and state agencies, trade associations, and policy think tanks Experience navigating ambiguity and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives under tight timelines The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $151,753.60 to $227,630.40. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. Why AstraZeneca: This is a place where bold ideas meet practical action to improve patient lives. You will work with diverse, collaborative teams that bring different perspectives into the same room to unlock fresh thinking, supported by a culture that values kindness alongside ambition. We pair modern data insights with real-world evidence to drive smarter decisions, and we move quickly—simplifying processes, adopting new models, and challenging assumptions to enable our science to reach patients. Your policy leadership will connect directly to outcomes that matter, with the support of colleagues who believe in learning together, sharing credit, and building a community that belongs.

Keywords: AstraZeneca, Rockville , Director, US Public Health Policy, Healthcare , Mount Rainier, Maryland