Brand Communications (Associate Director)

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 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 requires a strategic, insights-driven approach to external and internal brand communications, with a focus on fostering business growth, building stakeholder trust, and ensuring impactful, aligned execution across US market.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

External Communications (75%)

Brand Communications

• Working with brand leads, 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 and passion for 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

Issues Management

• 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
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing external communications campaigns for patient and/or HCP audiences to support brand or disease education
• Experience leveraging digital engagement approaches, including social media influencers, to extend reach and influence
• Proven ability to lead brand launches with demonstrable impact
• Ability to build authentic relationships and trust with stakeholders across diverse markets
• 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. At the time of posting, this role is fully remote and can be performed from anywhere in the United States. Please note that workplace policies and onsite requirements are subject to change based on business needs.

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.

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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