Associate Director, R&D Integrated Communications

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

20d•$141,500 - $268,500•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director, R&D Integrated Communications leads the development, management and measurement of cross-R&D strategic messaging and storytelling that strengthen AbbVie’s reputation as a science-forward company, enhance culture and support pipeline advancement. This role develops and maintains an aligned R&D narrative, translates complex science and pipeline progress into clear communications and stories for internal and external audiences, and ensures consistent message pull-through across plans, channels and teams. Working across therapeutic areas, R&D sub-functions and Corporate Affairs, this role is instrumental in aligning and integrating communication efforts that advance AbbVie’s scientific reputation among key stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum of 10+ years of integrated communications experience, including at least 5 years in a communications or marketing environment.
Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in communications, marketing, business, public relations, journalism or life sciences field is preferred.
Master’s Degree or other postgraduate work preferred
Strong project management and execution skills, with a record of delivering clear, high-quality communications work, and measurable outcomes.
Experience advising senior executives and a variety of internal/external stakeholders across varied communications scenarios.
A growth mindset, self-motivated, and ability to see bigger picture beyond the immediate task.
Demonstrates initiative, creativity, analytical and leadership capabilities.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and navigate a matrixed organization.
Expertise in strategic messaging, narrative development, omnichannel content strategy and communications measurement.
Business acumen to frame the “why” and align communications to business priorities.
High professional competency to provide strategic communications counsel to executives and senior level stakeholders.
Strong understanding of communications trends, digital channels, audience insights and impactful storytelling formats.
Ability to define meaningful KPIs and use reach, engagement, comprehension and feedback data to improve communications.
Ability to break down silos to nurture strong cross-functional partnership.
Leadership style that fosters collaboration, creativity and collegiality.
Ability to translate complex concepts for target audiences and channels, with curiosity to continuously build knowledge.
Ability to evaluate and apply emerging AI technologies to improve storytelling, content creation, ideation and communications effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Develops and manages AbbVie R&D messaging that clearly articulates R&D strategy, priorities, pipeline progress, milestones, innovation and impact.
Ensures consistent message pull-through across internal and external channels, including abbvie.com, external speaking opportunities, campaigns and corporate materials.
Identifies and develops R&D storytelling opportunities that support the positioning of AbbVie R&D in partnership with subject matter experts, spanning written, video, web, social and other content formats.
Serves as lead producer for AbbVie’s The Persistence Lab podcast, including story mining, speaker management, writing, review and promotion.
Co-creates and manages implementation of a content calendar with key partners, including the R&D Integrated Planning & Activation team, for internal and external audiences.
Collaborates across R&D Communications, Corporate Marketing (web, content, social), affiliates and Corporate Affairs to create and amplify content through a coordinated, omnichannel approach.
Defines KPIs, measures impact of external R&D communications; synthesizes insights to strengthen R&D storytelling and channel strategy.
Oversees tactical program execution to ensure deliverables are completed on time and on budget.
Manages agency partners and related program budgets.