Senior Manager External Communications

Senior Manager External Communications role at 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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Abbott (Public Relations), COLUMBUS, OHIO

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your 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.

Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.

An excellent retirement savings plan with a 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 worldwide 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Public Relations) to drive consumer buzz across PR, social, influencer and brand storytelling for iconic brands, including Similac and Pedialyte, for Abbott’s U.S. and Canada Nutrition business. This position is located in Columbus, Ohio.

The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller in consumer, nutrition, and health and wellness. The candidate is social‑savvy and can spot the latest cultural and social trends and translate them into brand opportunities that drive relevance, conversation, and engagement. They have a proven track record of earning top‑tier media placements and creating engaging content packages that show an ability to think digital and social first. They are creative, a highly skilled writer and a pro at managing multiple high‑profile projects across a matrixed organization and working collaboratively with key stakeholders and senior leadership. The candidate must have experience effectively leading PR agencies, developing and articulating consumer communication strategies and aligning internal stakeholders.

To thrive in a fast‑paced dynamic environment, a successful candidate will be self‑motivated and nimble and be comfortable in counseling the business. Must also have proven experience in executing successful PR, branded partnerships and social media campaigns that drive share of voice and engagement.

What You’ll Work On

Partner with the Director, Public Affairs to set and drive PR strategy and storytelling for Abbott’s nutrition business and product / brand innovations.

Develop compelling consumer‑driven storylines for Abbott’s nutrition products.

Manage and execute integrated, insights‑led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in nutrition health and science.

Work with top‑tier consumer, health / scientific and lifestyle reporters and influencers 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, shape strategy for celebrity / influencer, brand partnerships and social media programs across multiple product brands in the U.S. and Canada.

Oversee development of messages, press materials and other communications tools.

Act as a primary spokesperson for assigned topics and in other situations as required. Interact with journalists to help ensure favorable positioning within stories.

PR agency management – independently and in coordination with colleagues.

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 cultural trends, communications environment and apply those learnings to maximize opportunities for Abbott’s nutrition business.

Partner with various stakeholders including regulatory affairs, supply chain, 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.

Manage local internal / executive comms and events.

Finance / Administrative :

Assist the director in managing and shaping department policies and procedures.

Ensure proper adherence to all financial, administrative, and regulatory policies.

Ensure programs fall within budget parameters.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field.

8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and / or communications and influencer marketing 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.

Experience in crisis communication and exhibits anticipatory thinking.

Strong experience in developing compelling content, including key positioning, messaging, social / digital‑first storytelling, and communications materials.

Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications and project management skills.

Experience with leading and actively managing PR agencies.

Experience in supporting internal / executive comms for senior leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in consumer, science, nutrition, and health and wellness communications.

Experience working on PR programs, influencer / social media / content creation programs, and issues / crises.

Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of media. Proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with consumer, science, nutrition, and health and wellness media.

Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity, discretion, and a rapid pace of change.

Experience in working in a regulated environment.

Strong judgement and executive presence.

Proven experience in leading digital, social media and celebrity / 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.

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

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 on Facebook at and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

The base pay for this position is $127,300.00 – $254,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Public Relations

Industries

Hospitals and Health Care

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