Senior Manager External Communications

Abbott • Chicago, IL

7d • $129,300 - $258,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, External Communications will play a pivotal role in helping formulate, execute and sustain an external communications strategy for Abbott that positions it as a leading global healthcare company. This position requires a strategic thinker and creative storyteller who has demonstrated the ability to work with top tier media globally and develop compelling storylines. This person must be an excellent writer with a deep understanding of the news business, media trends and navigating the evolving media landscape including the impact of AI. This person must also have a portfolio of media placements driven by him/her that support company reputation across a number of attributes, including quality of management, business strategy and strength, innovation and leading brand. The right candidate will also contribute to the strategy and execution of content generation for a number of 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.
• Experience in media relations, with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of the news business, media trends and navigating the evolving media landscape including the impact of AI.

Responsibilities

• Position the company as a leading company globally through proactive media relations, social and external communications.
• Identify and create content across multiple channels to highlight Abbott’s leadership and products.
• Cultivate a deep understanding and strong relationship with media and influencers with a keen focus on consumer, trade and business media.
• Maintain and develop relationships with consumer, business and financial news editors and reporters through thoughtful, strategic engagement – especially related to company strength, strategy, innovation and brand.
• Enhance visibility of the company and protect company reputation.
• Prep Abbott leadership before interviews including contributing to key message development and positioning.
• On-site management of media interviews and events.
• A deep understanding and utilization of social media channels and engagement strategies.
• Manage a team of media relations specialists and spearhead the PITCH team, an internal team of Abbott media relations experts
• Operates with principled leadership and sound business ethics, exercising the highest level of integrity.
• Has an entrepreneurial mindset combined with an ability to navigate in a large, complex organization.
• Takes a global view.
• Treats others with respect – listens and cares.
• Develops strategy and executes plans to write and produce content (multimedia – digital, social, video, etc.) about Corporate strategy and science/innovation to reach key stakeholders including consumers and business influencers via media relations.
• Works extensively with national and international media, as a primary spokesperson in consumer and business media.
• Interfaces with various division and corporate constituencies, including government affairs, investor relations, legal, finance, marketing, regulatory, medical, clinical and senior management.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of corporate businesses and divisional therapeutic areas, industry, competitive environment and stakeholder landscape to provide effective counsel to division management.
• Oversees development of messages, media materials and other communications tools.
• Develops issues management plans and oversee execution of plans often acting as company spokesperson.
• Develop strategic communications and competitive positioning for the company, with particular emphasis on competitive environment and marketplace.
• Oversees PR agency management.

Benefits

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed