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 .
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:
This Director, Corporate and Portfolio Communications is responsible for leading the development and execution of timely and effective regional and global (primarily US) external communications strategies and plans for Rx+ Business Accelerator division that support data, regulatory and lifecycle milestones, including but not limited, to those that require corporate disclosure. The remit is to increase the profile of Astellas’ Rx+ Business Accelerator and its projects and engagement among external stakeholder groups and drive performance toward business objectives. This position works in alignment with Astellas Corporate Communications and partners with the leaders across Rx+ Business Accelerator globally, as well as other relevant groups across Astellas. The position not only provides strategic communications counsel, but also leads development and oversees approval processes for all supporting communications materials. Additionally, this position is responsible for working in close collaboration with Commercial Communications, M&D Communications and Research Communications to ensure alignment of communications strategies and plans. This position reports to the Head, Rx+ Commercial.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Develops and executes regional and global communications plans for the Rx+ business that are aligned with the company’s mission, values and strategic imperatives; appropriately tailors them to meet the strategic communications needs of Rx+.
Leads the implementation of regional and global public relations strategies and tactics for all Rx+ milestones – data, regulatory, and lifecycle. Oversees all press releases, videos and other media deliverables are approved by defined internal stakeholders across the global Legal, Medical, Development, Regulatory, Program Management, Marketing, Compliance, including functional leaders.
Helps enhance Astellas’ Rx+ brand awareness by adapting/developing consistent and compelling narratives that portray the work of the business and how it aligns to the Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP2021) for use regionally/locally
Develops metrics and tracks post-announcement impact (value) of communications activities and reports out to key stakeholders in a timely manner.
Provides day-to-day strategic and expert counsel to present public relations programs and activities inclusive of understanding the competitive marketplace and industry landscape.
Determines and implements the most effective, efficient, and impactful methods and channels to achieve communications objectives.
Develops and executes a long-term engagement plan to build and maintain strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including trade and business media, and other stakeholders based on guidance from organizational leadership.
In partnership with overall team, provides input on opportunities for Rx+ leadership to present, speak and engage with external conferences, publications, boards etc. to strategically increase the profile of Astellas.
Manages issues/crisis management strategies and execution by providing expert counsel and develops communications scenarios with sound recommendations.
Responsible for the development and delivery of key communications messages related to pre- and post-launch milestone activities, such as building brand, scientific and therapeutic area awareness with media, investors, healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, etc.
Develops and maintains strong relationships with key media outlets on behalf of Astellas Rx+. Proactively contact media to protect and enhance Astellas’ interests. Recruits the appropriate spokesperson, providing detailed background and coaching him/her in the delivery of the response.
Works closely with agency partners to plan, track and manage deliverables; responsible to track program budget to ensure efficient utilization of financial resources
Quantitative Dimensions:
Impacts the efficient use of resources, including vendors, through negotiations for services both internally and externally and the monitoring of project budget.
Organizational Context:
This position reports to Rx+ Commercial Head and works in close collaboration with functional leadership across Rx+, M&D, Commercial Regulatory, Corporate Communications, etc. The position serves as a core team member of Rx+ Business Accelerator.
Qualifications
Required
BA or BS Degree or Equivalent communications, public relations or related field is required
Requires a minimum of 12 years of corporate communications experience
Experience working in a global communications role for a complex matrix organization across multiple global regions
Media relations experience and excellent communication abilities including presentation, verbal and written skills
Established relationships with industry and business media and stakeholders
Experience managing and/or using a wide array of internal communications tools
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Proven experience in effectively communicating with top-level global executives
Understanding of technical and scientific issues and ability to translate complex information for non-scientific audiences
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
Must have strong executive presence, excellent writing skills and ability to work under tight deadlines with great attention to detail
Preferred
External communications experience within the digital health / device / pharmaceutical industry
Managing external agency partners
Action-oriented self-starter who takes initiative, motivates others, and enjoys solving novel problems in creative ways
Demonstrates strong aptitude to work in a rapidly evolving, early-stage, start-up environment (with the support of a global pharmaceutical company)
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 Rx+ Commercial
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans