Associate Director Portfolio Communications

Profile

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong 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
****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:
The Associate Director, Portfolio Communications is a pipeline and commercial asset communications subject matter expert responsible for positioning Astellas pipeline and in-line assets internally and externally around the world by developing communications strategies and executing programming that drive asset understanding and differentiation to impact corporate, investor and employee goals. The Associate Director supports the global portfolio asset leadership within the Corporate Advocacy & Relations Department to ensure the integration of appropriate traditional public relations tactics and digital media strategies to develop and execute strategic communications programs. Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Communications, the incumbent must work across the global cross-functional organization to achieve the above goals and collaborate closely with investor relations, media relations, and the broader communications community across the divisional and affiliate teams to ensure successful pull-through of asset messaging.
Essential job Responsibilities
Develop and execute annual strategic communications plans, including accountability for creating press releases, key messages, frequently asked questions, reactive statements, financial announcement materials, presentations, internal communications, assets communication templates and digital media content, to inform key stakeholders -- primarily investors and employees -- of major development and commercial milestones for prioritized global pipeline assets and in-line products
Utilize a robust global review process to ensure all strategies, activities and materials are developed with input and approval from necessary stakeholders including, but not limited to, research, medical & development, medical affairs, regulatory, commercial, investor relations, legal and compliance
Anticipate potential issues and lead issues management/response activities including development of comprehensive issues management communications plans, participation on internal issues management committee, drafting communications materials and recommendations, and leveraging relationships with top media to mitigate crises
Cultivate, manage and leverage strong media relationships to proactively seek and secure media coverage, and serve as a senior spokesperson on media interactions regarding
Manage and maintain positive working relationships with partner companies (as needed), ensuring that Astellas' best interests are served for the good of the asset, franchise and corporate brand.
Select and manage various public relations firms and other external service providers, and ensure the most efficient and economical utilization of these services to maximize the return of budget dollars.
Set strategic key performance measures and develop comprehensive measurement tools and matrixes to gauge portfolio communications programs' effectiveness
Serve as thought-leader and counselor to Head of Portfolio Communication, internal business partners, executive management, business and franchise heads and other team members on effective communications approaches that further company's business/product strategies through earned media opportunities, including social media.
Quantitative Dimensions:
This position has impact on external vendor selection and management as well as budget management responsibility for integrated PR/product communications plans.
Organizational Context:
The incumbent reports to the Head of Portfolio Communications and works closely with marketing strategy, research, development, medical affairs, regulatory, commercial, investor relations, legal, compliance, alliance management and other colleagues.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
BS Degree or equivalent in journalism, communications or related field
Requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively increasing corporate communications or public relations experience
Experience in the healthcare and/or biopharmaceutical industry
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated success developing and executing healthcare product communications plans and activities
Ability to be a flexible team player with the highest ethical and business standards
Experience building strong working relationships across global, matrixed organizations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong presence, leadership abilities and proven ability to manage budget programs and multiple agencies
Self-starter able to handle multiple priorities, establishing and maintaining effective and efficient channels of communication with new media and opinion leaders
Ability to travel domestically/globally 20-25%
Strong analytical skills and business acumen
Demonstrable agility and excellent judgment
Preferred
Experience (in-house and/or agency) in specific therapeutic areas (oncology, women's health, regenerative medicine)
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
Referral bonus program
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Location
IL, Northbrook
Category
Communications

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