External Corporate Communications Specialist (Senior Manager)

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:

The External Corporate Communications Specialist supports the execution of Astellas' global external corporate communications strategy and overall corporate brand and reputation across media relations, social media, and digital channels. Reporting to the Lead, External Corporate Communications, this role helps protect and strengthen Astellas' corporate reputation by supporting media engagement activities and maintaining governance and excellence across digital communication platforms.

The Specialist works closely with colleagues across Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, Commercial and Medical Affairs, R&D, Public Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and local affiliates to amplify Astellas' corporate narrative and strategic priorities through earned, owned, and shared channels. The role supports media outreach, content development, social media strategy and execution, website content management, analytics, and issues preparedness.

This position requires excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly matrixed global environment. While based in the United States, the role frequently collaborates with global stakeholders, including colleagues in Japan and other regions.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Media Relations Support

• Support execution of Astellas' external media relations strategy in alignment with enterprise communications priorities and governance.
• Assist in managing media inquiries, coordinating responses, and ensuring consistent messaging across proactive and reactive communications.
• Support development of media materials, including press releases, statements, media alerts, backgrounders, fact sheets, and Q&A documents.
• Research and identify media engagement opportunities that elevate Astellas' corporate profile, innovation, scientific leadership, and patient impact.
• Maintain media lists, monitor journalist activity, and support relationship-building efforts with key business, healthcare, pharmaceutical, science, and trade media.
• Support press events, media briefings, interviews, and corporate announcements.

Digital Communications and Social Media

• Support execution of Astellas' corporate digital and social media strategy across global and U.S. channels.
• Develop, publish, and optimize content for social media platforms and digital channels that align with corporate communications objectives.
• Support day-to-day social media operations, including content scheduling, approvals, publishing, and community management support.
• Partner with communications colleagues and agency partners to develop integrated campaigns that leverage social media, web, and earned media channels.
• Monitor competitive intelligence in social media, identify emerging trends, and provide insights to support reputation management and communications planning.
• Ensure content and platform activities adhere to corporate governance, legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.

Corporate Website and Digital Channel Management

• Support management of corporate website content, ensuring information is accurate, current, engaging, and aligned with corporate messaging.
• Coordinate content updates, digital publishing processes, and enhancements to improve user experience and engagement.
• Work with internal stakeholders and agency partners to maintain content governance standards, editorial calendars, and digital best practices.
• Assist with search optimization, content discoverability, and digital channel performance initiatives.

Analytics, Monitoring, and Insights

• Monitor media coverage, social media activity, and digital channel performance.
• Use technology platforms to develop reports and dashboards to measure communications effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen engagement and reputation.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on media, social, and website analytics.
• Monitor for potential reputational issues and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Promote understanding of SEO, AEO and GEO and share those insights to impact future communication activities.

Issues and Crisis Communications Support

• Support issues and crisis communications preparedness activities, including monitoring, message development, and response planning.
• Assist with maintaining core response documents, holding statements, FAQs, and communications playbooks.
• Support digital and social media monitoring and response efforts during high-profile or rapidly evolving situations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with key functions including Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, Commercial and Medical Affairs, R&D, Legal, Compliance, HR, Public Affairs, and affiliate communications teams to deliver integrated communications programs.
• Partner with external agencies and vendors supporting media relations, social media, digital communications, analytics, and web management.
• Help ensure alignment of external communications with Astellas' mission, values, and enterprise priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field.
• 5-8+ years of integrated communications experience including corporate communications, media relations, public relations, digital communications, and social media.
• Experience working in the life sciences industry (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, etc) and a strong understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements for communication activities
• Experience supporting media relations programs, including media engagement, press material development, and announcement support.
• Experience managing social media channels and developing content for corporate digital platforms.
• Experience with Generative AI to prepare drafts of work products and to support analysis and reporting.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, digital communications trends, governance practices, and analytics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and effectively.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Possess strong aptitude for understanding how the broader external environment impacts the Company and how to apply that to strategic communications
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, highly matrixed global organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting corporate reputation, executive communications, or issues management programs.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, social media management, and analytics platforms.
• Experience working with digital agencies and external communications vendors.
• Understanding technology platforms that support media relations and digital communication activities.
• Knowledge of SEO, AEO and GEO and using this information for content optimization best practices.
• Experience supporting communications activities across multiple markets and regions.
• Familiarity with global communications governance and approval processes.

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

$125,090 - $178,700 (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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