External Corporate Communications Specialist; Northbrook, IL

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at  .

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We’re seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren’t afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

This position is based in the United States or United Kingdom.

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

The External Corporate Communications Specialist supports the execution of Astellas’ global external communications strategy and helps strengthen and protect the company’s corporate reputation and brand.

Reporting to the Lead, External Corporate Communications, the role supports media relations, social media, digital communications, corporate website management, analytics and issues preparedness. The Specialist works across Corporate Communications and with functions including Investor Relations, Commercial and Medical Affairs, R&D, Public Affairs, Legal, Compliance and local affiliates to deliver consistent and engaging communications across earned, owned and shared channels.

The role requires excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail and sound judgment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed global environment.

• Support the execution of Astellas’ external media relations strategy, including proactive and reactive media engagement.
• Manage and coordinate responses to media enquiries and support development of press releases, statements, Q&A, fact sheets and other media materials.
• Research media opportunities and support press events, briefings, interviews and corporate announcements.
• Maintain media lists and monitor relevant journalist, industry and competitive activity.
• Support the corporate social media and digital communications strategy, including content development, scheduling, publishing and community management.
• Develop and optimise content across social, web and other digital channels in partnership with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Support corporate website content management, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, current and aligned with corporate messaging and governance requirements.
• Monitor media, social and digital performance and use analytics to provide insights and recommendations that strengthen engagement and reputation.
• Support SEO, AEO and GEO best practices to improve content visibility and discoverability.
• Identify and elevate emerging reputational issues and support issues and crisis communications preparedness, including monitoring, response materials and communications playbooks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external agencies to deliver integrated communications programmes aligned with Astellas’ mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Ensure communications activities comply with corporate governance, legal, regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media or a related field.
• Significant experience in integrated communications, including corporate communications, media relations, public relations, digital communications and social media.
• Experience in the life sciences industry, with a strong understanding…