Sr. Communications Manager

Job Category: Editorial/Writing Company: Baxter Healthcare Reference Code: 33774BR Sr. Communications Manager Baxter International Inc., assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. Strategic Communication Plan Development - Participate in the development and assessment of the business strategy to identify communication opportunities and needs. Recommend an appropriate plan of action including strategy, messaging, tactics and execution of tactical elements. Synthesize information from a variety of sources (internal and external) into effective output. Influence key stakeholders and drive organizational change as appropriate. Develop relationships within the organization that drive heightened awareness of communication needs so that information is proactively shared. Execute the plan and make recommendations for improvement. Manage budget on a project level. Messaging & Branding - Develop aligned messages / platforms around complex concepts, products or programs that are compelling and appropriate to the audience to drive desired outcomes and behaviors. Leverage data to support the messages/platforms or products. Writing/Editing - Write consistently in an influential, moving and memorable style. Connect communication messages across vehicles to influence broader opportunities and ensure consistency and reinforcement of critical messages – "sees the big picture". Edit for style, consistency and fluidity across the organization. Write clearly and effectively under pressure. Counsel with business partners on content, based on knowledge of the regulatory environment. Technology / Channel Application - Assess needs, develop and use the right combination of tools and channels to address needs of business and specific audiences. Media Relations-Identify and pursue proactive opportunities to enhance Baxter's image and promote Baxter's products. Demonstrate news judgment and knowledge of news processes. Internal Communications- Identify and develop stories and methods to engage employees and enable rapid exchange of information with internal constituents. Vendor / Agency Management- Assess capabilities of vendor/agency to meet communication needs. Recommend and influence vendor/agency selection. Participate in the negotiation of the agreement terms. Provide day-to-day management and oversight of project and raise issues when barriers surface. QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to develop a communication strategy, key messages and tactical execution plans. Ability to write, review and edit documents, applying universal grammatical and editorial rules and standards as well as Baxter's standards. Ability to distill complex language into easy-to-understand, grammatically correct language in an active voiceand to quickly synthesize information from a variety of sources (internal and external) into one effective output. Write, with little or no supervision, articulate, persuasive documents that compel the reader to think or act differently. See all angles and versatility to address many different audiences; position messages appropriately to influence broader opportunities. Ability to develop and leverage internal and external thought leader and advocate relationships to reinforce Baxter's messages, support products and market position, and promote ongoing relationship building and management. Ability to recognize key data points, plan for and anticipate questions and conduct interviews to elicit/probe for appropriate information. Ability to prepare and probe for information and apply reporting and facilitation techniques Technical knowledge of production process for the development of communication collateral materials. Ability to identify and analyze business and audience needs to deliver messages via the most appropriate mix of media and channels as well as understand channels and vehicles available internally and externally. Ability to counsel on regulatory requirements relevant to communication about and promotion of products. Minimum Bachelor's degree required in Journalism, Communications or English. Minimum of 7-10 years of Public Relations and/or Communications experience. Healthcare Industry experience required; mix of agency and corporate experience preferred. As a global leader dedicated to building the best team in health care, Baxter offers competitive compensation and full benefits. To view other opportunities at Baxter, please visit our Careers@Baxter site. EOE M/F/D/V.