SR. MANAGER, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Follow your aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities, competitive salaries, great benefits, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, a company paid pension plan and profit sharing, all with a company providing the growth and strength to build your future.This position may be filled at either a manager or senior manager level, depending upon qualified candidate's skills and experiencePRIMARY JOB FUNCTION:The manager/senior manager is responsible for identifying opportunities, developing strategy and managing the execution of internal and external public relations programs to protect and enhance Abbott's reputation. The manager/senior manager must be able to think strategically and provide thoughtful counsel to a broad range of internal and external contacts across all levels of management. The manager/senior manager is responsible for the supervision of public relations firms and management of internal client relationships to help execute communications programming. Responsibilities include serving as a company spokesperson on business activities, issues and performance.CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Responsible for compliance with applicable corporate and divisional policies and procedures.Works extensively with national and international business, as a primary spokesperson for brand, especially in business press. Enhance visibility of brands/company and protect company reputation.Develop strategy and programming-and oversee execution for corporate PR programming product/brand.Interfaces with various division and corporate constituencies, including government affairs, investor relations, legal, finance, marketing, regulatory, medical, clinical and senior management.Oversees development of messages, press materials and other communications tools.Develops executive communications and supports employee communications initiatives.Develop issues management plans, and oversee execution of plans often acting as company spokesperson.Develop strategic communications and competitive positioning for brand and/or company, with particular emphasis on competitive environment and marketplace.Oversees PR agency management and conducts/oversees PR agency competitive bidding/selection process.Identifies and anticipates issues and works with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact and influence business decision making process.Coaches senior division executives and third-party spokespeople on delivery of messages.Finance/Administrative: Assist department head in managing and shaping department policies and procedures. Ensure proper adherence to all financial and administrative policies. Ensure programs fall within budget parameters and all paperwork is completed in appropriate manner (invoice logging, purchase orders, statements of work, etc.)COMMENTS:Must be able to effectively lead cross divisional teams. Must be able to effectively counsel Public Affairs professionals and senior management at Abbott Affiliates around the world who operate in different cultures and time zones. POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY/SCOPE:The manager/senior manager reports to the director, Public Affairs. All division PR functions have a dotted line reporting relationship into Corporate Public Affairs. This position works with a broad range of internal and external constituencies across all levels of management and functions at both the corporate and division levels, including marketing, clinical development, regulatory affairs, operations, quality, HR, government affairs, investor relations, legal and finance. The manager/senior manager also maintains budget responsibility for PR programming within his/her scope of work at the division or corporate level.QualificationsBasic Qualifications:A minimum of 10 years experience in the development and execution of public relations programs with an emphasis on media relations is necessary for this position. Must have proven writing, verbal and problem-solving skills and demonstrated success in developing and executing communications impacting reputation.Preferred Qualifications:Experience dealing with top-tier business reporters, and experience working outside the United States are preferred. Bi-lingual or multi-lingual abilities a bonus. A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field is required.Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. EEO/AATo apply for this position, click here.To learn more about Abbott and view other opportunities, click here.