Chief Communications & Investor Relations Officer (CCIRO)
Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .
Astellas is a Japan based global pharma company with the total sales revenue of JPY1,296B (FY21) and market cap of JPY3,470B (2023/3/28). We operate business in 70+ countries.
Astellas’ vision is to be at the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. We are embarking upon an organization wide transformation to shift from a traditional pharma company into a cutting-edge, VALUE-driven life science innovator.
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.
Purpose and Scope:
The role of Chief Communications & Investor Relations Officer (CCIRO) is being newly created and expected to lead the One Communications organization covering current functions of “Corporate Advocacy & Relations”, “Commercial Communications”, “Medical & Development Communications” and “Research Communications” to enhance the enterprise-wide integrated and consistent communication capability.
The CCIRO is responsible for development of Astellas communications strategy and execution of communications plans aligned among 8 (tentative) communications sub-division functions, with gaining engagement and support from Top management. Reporting to the CEO, the position enhances corporate values of Astellas by attracting the external and internal stakeholders such as investors, potential business partners, job seekers and by engaging current employees to Astellas’ business.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Work closely with the CEO, guiding, managing and advising, to support their internal and external communication activities by approving speeches, reports, press releases, presentations, and social media posts.
Develop Astellas’ corporate communication strategy that fits with the Astellas global business and strategy across the functions (corporate, R&D, commercial).
Provides strategic leadership, development, direction, and management of all external and internal communications initiatives, including media and key stakeholder relations.
Supervise the execution of communication plans and make alignment among sub-divisions within the division.
Build and maintain close relationships with top management and reflect their philosophy into corporate messages and establish the corporate brand.
Guide the strategic direction on the investor relations to enhance corporate value through the dialog with the stock market and secure the fair financial disclosures obeying the laws and regulations.
Provide strategic directions on external communications including media relations and digital media globally.
Enhance the employee engagement via internal communications collaborating with Top management and relevant functions (e.g., Corporate Strategy and HR).
Oversee the creation and management of all communication channels, including the website, social media platforms, and internal communication systems.
Understand and apply knowledge about major issues in the pharmaceutical industry and works with the team to anticipate and plan for potential issues to protect the corporate reputation.
Address appropriately with the crisis communications externally and internally.
Manage the communication division, providing leadership, guidance, and support to the team.
Quantitative Dimensions:
The CCIRO is responsible for the oversight of all aspects involving communications and investor relations.
# of employees: All Astellas (about 15,000 employees)
Internal Key Stakeholders: Top management, DHs, CS, HR
External Key Stakeholders: Investment community, PR Agencies
Organizational Context:
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
About 8, globally placed
About 70, globally placed
The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer
Qualifications:
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree preferably in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or Marketing.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in a global leadership role in communications, public relations, or other relevant fields.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies, globally.
Experience and confidence in providing strategic advice and counsel to the senior leadership team related to communications strategy, crisis and reputation management and investor relations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal relationship and collaboration skills working within cross-functional executive leaders in a matrixed and global organization.
Demonstrated ability of strategic thinking.
Familiarity with the latest trends and best practices in communication and marketing.
Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
There will be some international travel required.
Preferred
Fluency in Japanese is preferred but not essential.
Working based in Tokyo would be preferred.
Deep experience leading and driving end-to-end communication from conception through implementation.
Deep knowledge of capital markets and strong relationships with investment community.
Proven experience in crisis management and reputation management.
Maintains excellent personal relationships with healthcare reporters & industry media.
Digital expertise with social media and video & digital channels.
Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks
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
Referral bonus program
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Category Corporate Advocacy & Relations
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans