External Corporate Communications Specialist

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.

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 hybrid and based from our UK office in Addlestone, Surrey. Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement: 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.

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 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.

Role and Responsibilities

• 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&As, 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 escalate 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience supporting media relations programmes and developing media and corporate communications content.
• Experience managing social media channels and corporate digital platforms.
• Experience using Generative AI to support development of communications materials, analysis and reporting.
• Strong understanding of digital and social media trends, governance and analytics.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Possess strong aptitude for understanding how the broader external environment impacts the Company and how to apply that to strategic communications.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, highly matrixed global organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting corporate reputation, executive communications, issues management or crisis communications.
• Experience with media monitoring, social media management and communications analytics platforms.
• Experience working with digital agencies and external communications vendors.
• Familiarity with technology platforms supporting media relations, digital communications and website management.
• Knowledge of SEO, AEO and GEO and their application to content optimisation.
• Experience supporting communications across multiple markets and regions.
• Familiarity with global communications governance and approval processes.

What awaits you at Astellas? Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day. Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare. A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address.