What are the responsibilities and job description for the Media Relations, Corporate Communications position at Astellas?
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.
Purpose and Scope:
Seeking a highly skilled, creative and collaborative Media Specialist to join the global Corporate Media Relations & Digital team. This role reports into the Head of Media Relations and Digital at Astellas and is accountable for driving both proactive and reactive media relations across U.S. and pan-European markets, with a specific focus on top-tier healthcare media. Leveraging deep expertise and established reporter relationships, the position is responsible for communicating complex and impactful corporate news, innovation, and culture to external audiences. This specialist will play an important part in shaping Astellas’ reputation, supporting major announcements and presence at key industry events, and translating nuanced topics into compelling stories that highlight the company’s VISION and leadership.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Collaborate closely with global Media Relations & Digital colleagues in U.S., UK and Japan to create and share compelling enterprise stories.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key U.S. and pan-European journalists across business, healthcare and trade media.
Contribute creative story ideas, develop proactive media outreach and and conduct media outreach to secure impactful media coverage for Astellas.
Execute executive visibility efforts for Corporate CxOs, including securing media and speaking opportunities to elevate company brand and reputation.
Assist with issues communication and response as needs arise.
Serve as a company spokesperson and point of contact for global media inquiries and coordinate spokesperson interviews and responses in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Help media train spokespeople ahead of interviews, including providing counsel on storytelling and interview techniques.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align media strategies and engagement recommendations around major company initiatives and announcements (e.g., medical congresses, industry events, new deals and partnerships).
Develop a variety of media materials, including media lists, engagement emails, key message frameworks, backgrounders, Q&As and statements, as well as manage internal reviews.
Assist with the development of quarterly results reports and maintaining media trackers.
Support media monitoring and analysis around select initiatives and share insights and recommendations to optimize future media engagement.
Qualifications:
Required
BA or BS Degree or Equivalent communications, public relations or related field is required.
Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in media relations, public relations or corporate communications, ideally in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
Demonstrated success in engaging with U.S. and, ideally, pan-European media outlets.
Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
Established relationships with healthcare, business and medical/pharmaceutical/biotech trade reporters.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Proven experience preparing spokespersons ahead of media engagements or events.
Experience in effectively communicating/counseling with global leaders.
Familiarity with media monitoring tools and CRM platforms (e.g., SignalAI, Cision).
Flexible team player with a high level of ethical and business standards.
Preferred
Strong strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
Experience working with financial media and industry stakeholders.
Proven experience problem solving and selling-in creative ideas.
Comfortable navigating complex topics and translating them into compelling media storytelling opportunities.
Background in medical, product, or scientific communications is beneficial.
Experience working in a highly matrixed, global environment.
Salary Range
$130K – $170K (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)
Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks
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
Referral bonus program
Category Corporate Communications
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans
Salary : $130,000 - $170,000
