Manager, External Communications

Abbott•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. The Manager, External Communications will play a pivotal leadership role in formulating, executing, and sustaining an external communications strategy for Abbott that positions it as a leading global healthcare company. This role is particularly focused on Abbott HeartMates, Abbott’s cardiovascular leadership initiative, and Abbott’s participation in external recognition opportunities. The position requires a strategic thinker, creative storyteller, and customer-centric event planner with a demonstrated ability to develop compelling storylines and meaningful in-person and virtual activations. The candidate will have experience managing cross-functional content creation for physical, digital, and social channels to reach and positively impact diverse external audiences, including consumers, HCPs, and the media. An understanding of industry regulations and best practices relating to engaging with patients and consumers is also necessary. The role will contribute to the strategy and execution of content generation for the company's social channels and executive leaders.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in content development (journalism or multimedia).
Excellent writer and communicator who can organize, summarize, clarify, and communicate ideas simply, succinctly, and accurately.
Experienced user and creator of social media to drive awareness and engagement.
Experienced planner and executor of consumer events with a strong focus on hospitality and high levels of individual care.
Skilled at building stakeholder trust to enhance business reputation.
Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity and a rapid pace of change.
Demonstrated ability to use communications to drive business results.
Experience in strategic thinking and ability to develop and implement communications plans.

Responsibilities

Function as a member of Abbott HeartMates core leadership team and primary liaison to the members of the HeartMates community with ownership of workstreams and program areas.
Plan and execute in-person and virtual events, including HeartMates members’ travel, accommodation, hospitality, and reimbursements.
Plan, compose, and execute community newsletters and email communications.
Collect and report relevant metrics, including newsletter open rate and CTR, community surveys, community size and composition, and campaign results.
Ensure program compliance with all Privacy, Legal, and OEC policies.
Collaborate with internal teams to plan and execute best-in-class storytelling.
Manage agency partners.
Manage Abbott’s participation in external recognition programs.
Maintain an accurate and up-to-date directory of pertinent recognition programs.
Develop strategic plans and secure leadership alignment on recognition opportunities.
Draft and submit corporate-level awards submissions (e.g., Brands That Matter, Most Influential Companies).
Collaborate with internal partners to coordinate submissions and ensure they adhere to corporate strategy and messaging.
Track all submissions and maintain an up-to-date record of submission statuses.
Manage content development and secure licensing as needed for external amplification opportunities, including social/digital content.
Maintain a strong understanding of corporate businesses, divisional therapeutic areas, industry, competitive environment, and stakeholder landscape to provide effective counsel to division management.
Assist in strategic planning of corporate executive visibility.
Operate with principled leadership and sound business ethics, exercising the highest level of integrity.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset combined with an ability to navigate in a large, complex organization.
Take a global view.
Treat others with respect – listen and care.