Associate Director, Global Media Relations

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose and Scope:

This position is responsible for developing and executing Astellas' global media relations strategy to advance the Company's reputation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and elevate awareness and understanding of our science, innovation, pipeline, thought leadership, and corporate priorities among key external audiences. Reporting to the Head of External Corporate Communications, this individual serves as a strategic communications advisor within Communications & Investor Relations, building and maintaining strong relationships with key healthcare, scientific, business, and trade media while partnering with senior leaders across the organization.

The role directly supports the Communications & Investor Relations function and works closely with business, research and development, medical, and corporate leaders to identify and communicate compelling stories that advance Astellas' mission and strategic objectives. The individual will lead proactive and reactive media engagement efforts, develop integrated communications plans, and ensure consistent, effective messaging across earned, owned, and digital channels.

As a trusted advisor to senior executives, this position provides counsel on high-profile, complex, and sensitive communications matters, including issues and crisis management with potential impact on Astellas' reputation. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate dynamic situations in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving environment while managing matters that require a high degree of expertise, confidentiality, and sensitivity.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in healthcare and corporate communications, a deep network of media relationships, strong understanding of digital strategy and external communications channels, expertise in executive and leadership communications, and a passion for healthcare and science. This individual will champion best practices in media engagement, governance, and executive communications while helping position Astellas as a trusted leader in healthcare innovation.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Create, lead and execute a comprehensive, proactive and integrated media relations strategy and plan, aligning with corporate and regional business objectives.
• Lead Astellas’ global earned media strategy across healthcare, scientific, business, financial and trade media.
• Identify and secure high-impact earned media opportunities that elevate Astellas executives, scientific leaders, and the overall corporate narrative.
• Serve as primary point of contact for top-tier media and other external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with top-tier global, national and trade media and key stakeholders; institute an efficient process and approach for media inquiries, including global coverage.
• Increase awareness of Astellas, the Astellas narrative and scientific leadership and help establish Astellas as a thought leader.
• Support major company initiatives and announcements by developing external plans that amplify the impact globally.
• Prepare executives and leaders for highly visible regional and local media and stakeholder engagements.
• Translate complex scientific, clinical and business topics into compelling narratives that resonate with multiple audiences.
• Establish and track key performance indicators, including media quality, message penetration, share of voice, executive visibility, and reputation outcomes, using insights to continuously improve strategy and execution.
• Support senior leaders with counsel on reputation-related matters and appropriate response.
• Identify and secure strategic speaking, media, and thought leadership opportunities that enhance the visibility and credibility of Astellas executives and scientific leaders.
• Anticipate, assess and help manage emerging issues and reputational risks, providing strategic counsel and leading communications response plans, including the development of Core Response Documents and integrated media, digital and stakeholder communications strategies.
• Ensure on-time delivery of media monitoring, key message development and company press events – collaborating with local leaders where appropriate.
• Manage public relations, media and digital agencies globally, partnering closely with communications organizations at Astellas to drive a cohesive and proactive media plan.
• Integrate media relations into broader, integrated communications including digital channels and social media.
• Keep management updated on breaking industry or company-specific news. Provide active media monitoring.
• Partner with key industry, technology, business partners and strategic collaborators in developing opportunities for joint engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferably in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or Marketing
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a role in public relations and media relations, public affairs, communications or other relevant fields, including experience supporting C-suite executives with strategic media relations.
• Experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or life sciences industries.
• Demonstrated track record in media relations including relationships with top-tier healthcare and industry media, as well as demonstration of how media stories have been influenced because of your work.
• Experience working in corporate communications at headquarters of a global company, in a highly matrixed, global environment.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to influence to challenge a status quo and drive innovative communications solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong interpersonal influence and active listening skills, flexible collaborator with the highest ethical and business standards.
• Strong understanding of how the external environment influences corporate reputation and business strategy, and the ability to translate those insights into effective communications approaches.
• Deep experience leading and driving end-to-end communication from conception through implementation.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, highly matrixed global organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting corporate reputation, executive communications, and issues management programs.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, social media management, and analytics platforms.
• Experience working with digital agencies and external communications vendors.
• Understanding of technology platforms that support media relations and digital communication activities.
• Understanding of how search engines, AI-powered search experiences, SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) influence content discoverability, corporate visibility and media engagement.
• Experience supporting communications activities across multiple markets and regions.
• Familiarity with global communications governance and approval processes.
• Experience in both agency and in-house corporate communications environments.

Location and Working Environment

This position is based in Northbrook, IL. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

This position is a global role with strong interaction with various disciplines and international stakeholders

• Highly matrixed environment requiring cross-regional coordination.
• Frequent interaction with senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Collaboration across EU, US, and Japan time zones.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency.  We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$144,060 - $205,800 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations) 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

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