Therapeutic Area Communications (Associate Director)
Astellas Pharma
Summary
This role serves as the primary point of contact for US brand business teams and the US Commercial and Medical Affairs Communications network for one or more priority brands. The role requires a strategic, insights-driven approach to external and internal brand communications, with a focus on fostering business growth, building stakeholder trust, and ensuring impactful, aligned execution across US market.
Job description
Purpose and Scope
This role serves as the primary point of contact for US brand business teams and the US Commercial and Medical Affairs Communications network for one or more priority brands. The role requires a strategic, insights-driven approach to external and internal brand communications, with a focus on fostering business growth, building stakeholder trust, and ensuring impactful, aligned execution across US market.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
External Communications (75%)
Brand Communications
- Working with brand leads, act as the point of contact for US brand business teams for assigned priority brand(s)
- Foster business growth and stakeholder trust through a deep understanding and passion for the science, data and business priorities, leading co-creation of external brand communication campaigns
- Develop and deliver external communications campaigns for patients and/or HCPs to educate on brand value or disease awareness, aligned with business and medical strategy
- Identify and leverage robust insights to shape effective external brand communication campaigns and ensure high-quality execution through planning and content development
- Design and execute integrated omnichannel campaigns incorporating innovative engagement approaches, including partnerships with social media influencers (e.g., patients, physicians and other HCPs) to expand reach, credibility and impact
- Establish measurable outcomes for external communication campaigns in the US market, using findings to refine strategies and tactics
- Lead strategic communications for major US regulatory milestones, data milestones and US scientific congresses
- Develop and execute media engagement strategies, including development of core message frameworks
- Lead media training for US brand spokespeople
- Identify and execute strategic US media opportunities to position brands and senior commercial and medical affairs leaders as thought leaders
- Lead strategic projects to support additional business growth or enhance the capabilities of the US Brand communications team
Issues Management
- Proactively monitor and analyze US media to identify and manage brand-related issues that may impact stakeholder trust or Company reputation
- Provide strategic counsel to US brand business teams on brand-related issues
- Lead communications planning and execution for US brand-related issues, including Supply Chain disruption and crisis scenarios
Internal Communications (25%)
- Develop and execute internal communication strategies that inspire and engage brand teams to deliver on behalf of patients and the Company
- Establish metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of internal communications programs
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Corporate, R&D Communications and IR to ensure alignment on brand-related communications and issues overall
- Informs and/or collaborates with Corporate, R&D Communications and IR as appropriate on brand-related communications and issues
Requirements
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Communications, Public Relations, Life Sciences or a related field
- Minimum of 8 years' experience in regional and/or local communication roles within the pharmaceutical or biopharma sector
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and align multiple stakeholders
- Hands-on experience with healthcare systems, regulatory environments and communications dynamics in key markets
- Strong business communications acumen gained through experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharma sector
- Experience in planning and executing communication campaigns for regulatory milestones data announcements and congresses
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing external communications campaigns for patient and/or HCP audiences to support brand or disease education
- Experience leveraging digital engagement approaches, including social media influencers, to extend reach and influence
- Proven ability to lead brand launches with demonstrable impact
- Ability to build authentic relationships and trust with stakeholders across diverse markets
- Deep understanding of healthcare systems, regulatory environments, and market dynamics
- Exceptional English written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information into clear and compelling messages
- Effective management of multiple priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Generous PTO
- 401(k) Match
- Annual Corporate Bonus
- Quarterly Sales Incentive
- Long Term Incentive Plan
- Company Fleet Vehicle
- Referral Bonus Program
Company overview
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a leading Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in April 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical (established 1923) and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical (established 1894), Astellas has grown into a global life sciences company with operations in more than 70 countries worldwide. The company employs approximately 14,500 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into value for patients through transformative therapies in key therapeutic areas including oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. The company's notable products include Xtandi for prostate cancer, Padcev for bladder cancer, Xospata for acute myeloid leukemia, Veozah for menopausal symptoms, and Izervay for geographic atrophy. With a strong focus on research and development, Astellas invests approximately 17% of its sales revenue into pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company operates multiple research centers in Japan, the United States, and Europe, and has established strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand its pipeline and capabilities in areas such as gene therapy and immuno-oncology.