Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Astellas is a global life sciences company focused on developing transformative therapies and innovative healthcare solutions. The Associate Director, Global Media Relations will develop and execute global media relations strategies, build relationships with key external audiences, and advise senior leaders on executive, reputation, issues, and crisis communications. The role will also lead proactive and reactive media engagement, integrated communications planning, and global agency and stakeholder collaboration.
Responsibilities
- 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
Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree preferably in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or Marketing
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a role in public relations and media relations, public affairs, communications or other relevant fields, including experience supporting C-suite executives with strategic media relations
- Experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or life sciences industries
- Demonstrated track record in media relations including relationships with top-tier healthcare and industry media, as well as demonstration of how media stories have been influenced because of your work
- Experience working in corporate communications at headquarters of a global company, in a highly matrixed, global environment
- Experience providing strategic communications counsel to executive leadership
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to influence to challenge a status quo and drive innovative communications solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner
- Strong interpersonal influence and active listening skills, flexible collaborator with the highest ethical and business standards
- Strong understanding of how the external environment influences corporate reputation and business strategy, and the ability to translate those insights into effective communications approaches
- Deep experience leading and driving end-to-end communication from conception through implementation
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, highly matrixed global organization
- Experience supporting corporate reputation, executive communications, and issues management programs
- Familiarity with media monitoring, social media management, and analytics platforms
- Experience working with digital agencies and external communications vendors
- Understanding of technology platforms that support media relations and digital communication activities
- Understanding of how search engines, AI-powered search experiences, SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) influence content discoverability, corporate visibility and media engagement
- Experience supporting communications activities across multiple markets and regions
- Familiarity with global communications governance and approval processes
- Experience in both agency and in-house corporate communications environments
Benefits
- Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.
- Hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home.
- Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
- 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
- A supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
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