Manager, Public Relations, Global Diagnostics at Abbott Laboratories

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of
• 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 - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking an experienced PR manager to join our Public Affairs team in Lake Forest, IL. The Public Affairs team has global responsibility for public relations and communications activities for Abbott’s diagnostics business.

The ideal candidate is a strong and passionate storyteller in consumer, tech, and health, and has a proven-track record of top-tier media placements, developing compelling messaging and PR content, building thought leadership, executive speaking engagements, and strategic communications, and managing issues.

They will be self-motivated and nimble, thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment, and have experience in supporting and executing successful PR and communications programs in many countries around the world.

What You’ll Work On

• Work closely with Senior Director, Public Affairs to set and drive global PR strategy and storytelling for Abbott's diagnostics business.
• In partnership with Public Affairs colleagues in countries outside the U.S., support the development and execution of external public relations strategies and approaches for key product launches/filings, key clinical and real-world data, product awareness programs/outreach and influencer programming.
• Manage and execute global, integrated, insights-led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in diagnostics. 
• Work with top-tier business, technology, lifestyle and consumer reporters (both proactively and reactively) 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. Bring to the table an understanding of today's communications environment amongst earned, owned, social and paid media.
• In partnership with marketing colleagues, review and approve strategy for influencer and social media programs outside the U.S.
• Oversee development of messages, press materials and other communications tools.
• Identify and anticipate issues and work with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact and influence business decision-making process.
• Keep a pulse on today's communications environment and apply those learnings to maximize opportunities for Abbott's diagnotics business.
• Partner with various stakeholders including regulatory affairs, operations, 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.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or communications with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation.
• Experience working on thought leadership and corporate reputation/positioning programs.
• Experience working with and counseling senior management.
• Strong experience in developing compelling content, including key positioning, messaging, and communications materials.
• Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in consumer, healthcare, and/or technology communications.
• Experience working on PR programs, influencer/social media programs, and issues in countries outside the U.S. 
• Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of media. Proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with technology, lifestyle, consumer and business media.
• Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity, discretion, and a rapid pace of change.
• Experience working in a regulated environment.
• Experience in crisis communication and exhibits anticipatory thinking.
• Experience with international media and media landscapes.
• Strong judgement and executive presence.
• Proven experience in leading digital, social media and influencer projects to build brands.
• Understanding of how to work within a matrixed organization and get things done.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and influence others.
• Ability to form authentic and effective relationships both inside and outside the organization.

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is $95,000.00 – $190,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.