Senior Manager External Communications

Abbott

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 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

https://www.abbott.com


Position Details

Senior Manager External Communications
Job
Full-time
4/19/2019
Northern Illinois
Abbott Park, IL

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION:

The senior communications manager will play a pivotal role in helping formulate, execute and sustain an external communications strategy for Abbott that positions it as a premier company and employer globally. It will also lead the strategy and execution of content generation for a number of the company's social channels and executive leaders. This position requires a strategic thinker and creative story teller who has demonstrated the ability to work with top tier media globally and develop compelling storylines that aligns to traditional, digital and social channels. This person must be an excellent writer with a deep understanding of the news business, media trends and the converged media landscape and have a portfolio of media placements driven by him/her that support company reputation across a number of attributes, including management, workplace/HR news and policy communications.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Position the company as a leading company and employer globally through proactive external communications and executive communications. 
  • Cultivate a deep understanding and strong relationship with media and social media influencers. 
  • Maintain and develop relationships with editors and reporters through thoughtful, strategic engagement – especially related to workforce topics and corporate reputation. 
  • Collaborate with C-suite leaders, particularly the executive vice president of Human Resources, to develop and implement communications strategies. 
  • 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

Must be a strong teammate who:

  • Operates with principled leadership and sound business ethics, exercising the highest level of integrity. 
  • Can adapt to an organization in transition; entrepreneurial mindset combined with an ability to navigate in a large, complex organization. 
  • Takes a global view. 
  • Treats others with respect – listens and cares.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY / SCOPE:

  • The senior manager will report directly to the Divisional Vice President, External Communications. 
  • Readiness to travel 20%+ annually.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

  • A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public affairs or related field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE / TRAINING REQUIRED:

  • More than 7 years of experience in media relations, with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation. 
  • Skilled at building public and media trust to enhance business reputation. 
  • Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of top tier workplace media. 
  • Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity and a rapid pace of change. 
  • Demonstrated ability to use communications to drive business results. 
  • Excellent writer and communicator who can organize, summarize, clarify and communicate ideas simply, succinctly and accurately. 
  • Experience in developing and implementing media relations plans and proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with national/international contacts 
  • Experienced user and creator of social media to drive awareness and engagement 
  • An understanding of how media cover a company’s workforce and how companies can position themselves to support a strong employer brand.


« Back