Therapeutic Area Communications (Associate Director)

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company dedicated to creating value for patients. They develop transformative therapies in areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. Astellas fosters new healthcare solutions for diseases with significant unmet medical needs through their research and development efforts. For more information, visit Astellas.com.

Purpose and Scope

This role serves as the primary point of contact for US brand business teams and the US Commercial and Medical Affairs Communications network for one or more priority brands. The role involves a strategic, insights-driven approach to external and internal brand communications, focusing on business growth, stakeholder trust, and impactful execution.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• External Communications (75%)

  • Act as the point of contact for US brand business teams for assigned priority brand(s).

  • Foster business growth and stakeholder trust through a deep understanding of the science, data, and business priorities, leading co-creation of external brand communication campaigns.

  • Develop and deliver external communications campaigns for patients and/or HCPs to educate on brand value or disease awareness, aligned with business and medical strategy.

  • Identify and leverage robust insights to shape effective external brand communication campaigns and ensure high-quality execution through planning and content development.

  • Design and execute integrated omnichannel campaigns incorporating innovative engagement approaches, including partnerships with social media influencers (e.g., patients, physicians and other HCPs) to expand reach, credibility, and impact.

  • Establish measurable outcomes for external communication campaigns in the US market, using findings to refine strategies and tactics.

  • Lead strategic communications for major US regulatory milestones, data milestones, and US scientific congresses.

  • Develop and execute media engagement strategies, including development of core message frameworks.

  • Lead media training for US brand spokespeople.

  • Identify and execute strategic US media opportunities to position brands and senior commercial and medical affairs leaders as thought leaders.

  • Lead strategic projects to support additional business growth or enhance the capabilities of the US Brand communications team.

  • Proactively monitor and analyze US media to identify and manage brand-related issues that may impact stakeholder trust or Company reputation.

  • Provide strategic counsel to US brand business teams on brand-related issues.

  • Lead communications planning and execution for US brand-related issues, including Supply Chain disruption and crisis scenarios.

• Internal Communications (25%)

  • Develop and execute internal communication strategies that inspire and engage brand teams to deliver on behalf of patients and the Company.

  • Establish metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of internal communications programs.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:

    • Collaborate with Corporate, R&D Communications, and IR to ensure alignment on brand-related communications and issues overall.

    • Informs and/or collaborates with Corporate, R&D Communications, and IR as appropriate on brand-related communications and issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, Life Sciences, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in regional and/or local communication roles within the pharmaceutical or biopharma sector.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and align multiple stakeholders.

• Hands-on experience with healthcare systems, regulatory environments, and communications dynamics in key markets.

• Strong business communications acumen gained through experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharma sector.

• Experience in planning and executing communication campaigns for regulatory milestones, data announcements, and congresses.

• Experience leveraging digital engagement approaches, including social media influencers, to extend reach and influence.

• Proven ability to lead brand launches with demonstrable impact.

• Deep understanding of healthcare systems, regulatory environments, and market dynamics.

• Exceptional English written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information into clear and compelling messages.

• Effective management of multiple priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Location and Working Environment

This position is based in Northbrook, IL. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. This will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver.

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

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.

• 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.