Senior Manager External Communications

Abbott

94d • $127,300 - $254,700

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology. The Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Public Relations) will drive consumer buzz across PR, social, influencer and brand storytelling for iconic brands, including Similac and Pedialyte, for Abbott’s U.S. and Canada Nutrition business. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller in consumer, nutrition, and health and wellness. They must have experience effectively leading PR agencies, developing and articulating consumer communication strategies and aligning internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or communications and influencer marketing.
• Experience working on thought leadership and corporate reputation/positioning programs.
• Experience working with and counseling senior management.
• Experience in crisis communication and exhibits anticipatory thinking.
• Strong experience in developing compelling content, including key positioning, messaging, social/digital-first storytelling, and communications materials.
• Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications and project management skills.
• Experience with leading and actively managing PR agencies.
• Experience in supporting internal/executive comms for senior leaders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in consumer, science, nutrition, and health and wellness communications.
• Experience working on PR programs, influencer/social media/content creation programs, and issues/crises.
• Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of media.
• Proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with consumer, science, nutrition, and health and wellness media.
• Experience in working in a regulated environment.
• Strong judgement and executive presence.
• Proven experience in leading digital, social media and celebrity/influencer projects to build brands.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director, Public Affairs to set and drive PR strategy and storytelling for Abbott’s nutrition business and product/brand innovations.
• Develop compelling consumer-driven storylines for Abbott’s nutrition products.
• Manage and execute integrated, insights-led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in nutrition health and science.
• Work with top-tier consumer, health/scientific and lifestyle reporters and influencers to enhance and protect the company’s reputation as well as advance business objectives.
• Develop strategy, plans and provide strategic counsel to business leaders and key stakeholders across the business.
• Develop multimedia content and social and digital strategies to complement key PR campaigns.
• Shape strategy for celebrity/influencer, brand partnerships and social media programs across multiple product brands in the U.S. and Canada.
• Oversee development of messages, press materials and other communications tools.
• Act as a primary spokesperson for assigned topics and in other situations as required.
• Interact with journalists to help ensure favorable positioning within stories.
• Manage PR agency independently and in coordination with colleagues.
• Identify and anticipate issues and work with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact.
• Keep a pulse on cultural trends, communications environment and apply those learnings to maximize opportunities for Abbott’s nutrition business.
• Partner with various stakeholders including regulatory affairs, supply chain, quality, R&D, HR, government affairs, investor relations, legal, finance and senior management.
• Media train and coach business leaders and spokespeople on delivery of key messages.
• Set metrics to measure effectiveness of public relations and communication efforts.
• Manage local internal/executive comms and events.
• Assist the director in managing and shaping department policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Free medical coverage for employees via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit.
• Career development with an international company.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees