Associate Director Global Media Relations

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 position is responsible for developing and executing Astellas' global media relations strategy to advance the Company's reputation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and elevate awareness and understanding of our science, innovation, pipeline, thought leadership, and corporate priorities among key external audiences. Reporting to the Head of External Corporate Communications, this individual serves as a strategic communications advisor within Communications & Investor Relations, building and maintaining strong relationships with key healthcare, scientific, business, and trade media while partnering with senior leaders across the organization.

The role directly supports the Communications & Investor Relations function and works closely with business, research and development, medical, and corporate leaders to identify and communicate compelling stories that advance Astellas' mission and strategic objectives. The individual will lead proactive and reactive media engagement efforts, develop integrated communications plans, and ensure consistent, effective messaging across earned, owned, and digital channels.

As a trusted advisor to senior executives, this position provides counsel on high-profile, complex, and sensitive communications matters, including issues and crisis management with potential impact on Astellas' reputation. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate dynamic situations in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving environment while managing matters that require a high degree of expertise, confidentiality, and sensitivity.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in healthcare and corporate communications, a deep network of media relationships, strong understanding of digital strategy and external communications channels, expertise in executive and leadership communications, and a passion for healthcare and science. This individual will champion best practices in media engagement, governance, and executive communications while helping position Astellas as a trusted leader in healthcare innovation.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Create, lead and execute a comprehensive, proactive and integrated media relations strategy and plan, aligning with corporate and regional business objectives.
• Lead Astellas' global earned media strategy across healthcare, scientific, business, financial and trade media.
• Identify and secure high-impact earned media opportunities that elevate Astellas executives, scientific leaders, and the overall corporate narrative.
• Serve as primary point of contact for top-tier media and other external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with top-tier global, national and trade media and key stakeholders; institute an efficient process and approach for media inquiries, including global coverage.
• Increase awareness of Astellas, the Astellas narrative and scientific leadership and help establish Astellas as a thought leader.
• Support major company initiatives and announcements by developing external plans that amplify the impact globally.
• Prepare executives and leaders for highly visible regional and local media and stakeholder engagements.
• Translate complex scientific, clinical and business topics into compelling narratives that resonate with multiple audiences.
• Establish and track key performance indicators, including media quality, message penetration, share of voice, executive visibility, and reputation outcomes, using insights to continuously improve strategy and execution.
• Support senior leaders with counsel on reputation-related matters and appropriate response.
• Identify and secure strategic speaking, media, and thought leadership opportunities that enhance the visibility and credibility of Astellas executives and scientific leaders.
• Anticipate, assess and help manage emerging issues and reputational risks, providing strategic counsel and leading communications response plans, including the development of Core Response Documents and integrated media, digital and stakeholder communications strategies.
• Ensure on-time delivery of media monitoring, key message development and company press events - collaborating with local leaders where appropriate.
• Manage public relations, media and digital agencies globally, partnering closely with communications organizations at Astellas to drive a cohesive and proactive media plan.
• Integrate media relations into broader, integrated communications including digital channels and social media.
• Keep management updated on breaking industry or company-specific news. Provide active media monitoring.
• Partner with key industry, technology, business partners and strategic collaborators in developing opportunities for joint engagement.