Lead, External Corporate Communications (Senior Director)

Astellas Pharma • Northbrook, IL

50d • Hybrid

About The Position

Astellas is a global life sciences company dedicated to transforming innovative science into VALUE for patients, offering transformative therapies in disease areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. Through its research and development programs, Astellas is pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. The company seeks passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, take intelligent risks, act with unwavering integrity, and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact. The Lead, External Corporate Communications will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive external communications strategy that aligns with Astellas' corporate objectives and enhances the company's reputation and visibility in the global life sciences sector. This role will report to the Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer (CCIRO) and will lead a team focused on media relations, digital media, and corporate reputation. The individual will work closely with C-suite executives and other communicators within the organization to enhance the company’s presence and visibility. This position requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing complex external communication initiatives in a global context. This role is critical in shaping Astellas' external communications landscape and ensuring that the company's corporate narrative is effectively communicated to all stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with a passion for healthcare, science, innovation and patients, capable of leading impactful communication strategies and developing dynamic stories in a global environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful external communications strategies that enhance corporate reputation and visibility.
• Strong media relations experience with established relationships in healthcare and industry media.
• Deep experience in leading end-to-end external communication campaigns from conception through implementation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience in crisis and issues management.
• Experience with Generative AI and LLMs, including when to use and not to use.
• Experience in reputation management, including monitoring and reporting on reputation measures for key stakeholder audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex situations.
• Demonstrated ability of strategic thinking to challenge a status quo.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coach team members to develop their communication knowledge and skill.
• Ability to manage large-scale program budgets and coordinate multiple agencies effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in integrating multi-channel planning and digital strategies into external communications initiatives.
• Experience partnering with and activating communicators across a global company.
• Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sectors.
• Fluency in Japanese (native or full business capability) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and own Astellas’ enterprise external communications and global reputation strategy, aligning with long-term corporate priorities, growth objectives, and risk posture.
• Serve as the enterprise authority on external communications governance and reputational risk, providing critical oversight on high-impact corporate positioning matters.
• Lead and develop the global external corporate communications team, establishing operating standards, succession planning, and enterprise capability.
• Establish and govern a comprehensive external communications strategy that aligns with corporate, functional, and regional business objectives, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging across all external channels.
• Define and lead the global media relations strategy, cultivating strong relationships with key media outlets, industry journalists, and influencers to effectively communicate Astellas' corporate narrative and scientific leadership.
• Provide strategic oversight of major announcements, high-visibility engagements, and proactive media initiatives that elevate Astellas’ corporate profile.
• Centrally coordinate media outreach for priority and top-tier media outlets, including other parts of Astellas who may generate press releases, including VALUE Delivery, VALUE Creation, Patient Centricity, Public Affairs, and Sustainability.
• Works closely with key stakeholders in Public Affairs to translate complex policy issues into clear and concise messaging for external and internal stakeholders.
• Serve as a partner to public affairs team providing strategic counsel on advocacy opportunities and stakeholder engagement.
• Define and govern the global social media and external digital strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging and engagement with key stakeholders.
• Oversee integration of digital platforms to amplify corporate positioning and strengthen global brand visibility.
• Maintain a coherent corporate narrative that resonates with diverse audiences, reinforcing Astellas' mission and values.
• Continuously evolve the enterprise narrative to address emerging business priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead crisis communications efforts, including the proactive development of response strategies and messaging to protect and enhance Astellas' reputation during challenging situations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and effective communication during crises.
• Maintain website strategy for Astellas.com, including incremental improvements to the user experience and quality and accuracy of design and content.
• Monitor monthly analytics for trends and provide recommendations for new content, updates, or features.
• Identify, implement, and monitor performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of external communications initiatives and make data-driven improvements.
• Identify, monitor and report on key Astellas reputation metrics that indicate how our company is seen externally by various external stakeholders/audiences.
• Own the global external communications budget strategy and agency governance model, including selection, performance management and resource allocation to maximize impact.
• Provide enterprise-level leadership across regions to ensure alignment of external messaging and integrated reputation management.
• Identify opportunities for synergies across team and initiatives to amplify content or consolidate spend for improved reach.
• Develop and implement strategies for executive thought leadership that position Astellas as a leader in the life sciences industry, including opportunities for speaking engagements and media interviews.
• Serve as senior advisor to executive leadership at major industry and medical events and strategic external engagements.

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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees