Sr. Manager / Director, 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.The Director, Public Affairs for Abbott's Pharmaceutical Products Division is responsible for divisional communications and relations with important external constituencies. Specific functions performed include: media relations, crisis management, product communications (PR in support of divisional products/businesses), executive communications (speech/presentation support for div. president and other sr. mgrs.), employee communications via multiple media, advocacy relations and management of the division's philanthropic fund. Major responsibilities: Develop strategies and oversee execution of public relations/communications programs for pharmaceutical products (lipids, autoimmune and pain therapeutics) business segment of U.S. pharmaceutical business. Understand key market drivers, competitive activities, and media trends and develop proactive communications programming that showcases positive reputation for Abbott. Serve as communication counsel to therapeutic area general mgrs., and VP. Identify and manage key resources. Oversee PR agencies and managers, developing programming to meet communication and business objectives. Drive all PR strategy for marketed products and oversee communication for near-term pipeline opportunities. Coordinate activities across communication functions, assist Investor Relations in positioning of PPD business. Oversee budget for communication programming, identify optimal use of resources across portfolio. Develop relationships with external advocacy orgs., opinion leaders, institutions and key media. Counsel and provide training to staff, developing key press materials, manage and develop team members. Identify and execute proactive story and speaking opportunities, id and develop internal and external spokespersons. Oversee crisis situations, initiate crisis team and communications plan, and provide executive counsel.** SPECIAL NOTE: Position will be a Senior Manager or Director of Public Affairs based on level of experience. **QualificationsBasic Qualifications: Possess a minimum of 10-12 years experience in increasing responsibility in a public relations agency or corporate communications environment. Must have experience working in a spokesperson capacity. Working knowledge of the development and execution of all functional aspects of public relations. Requires exemplary writing, verbal, and problem-solving skills. Position requires management of multiple public relations firms and budgetary management.Preferred Qualifications:A strong preference for an understanding of health care and/or the pharmaceutical industry. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English or related field. MBA or master's degree in related field highly valued.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.