Manager Public Affairs

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.

The Manager will bring deep understanding of the media landscape, external best practices and has a track record of success in program execution.

The Manager of Public Affairs at Abbott plays a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation. Based in Basel, Switzerland, this position works closely with the Director of Public Affairs and business colleagues to launch external initiatives that help drive our reputation or support key business priorities. The role involves strategic thinking, a storytelling mindset to help drive compelling internal and external communications initiatives, as well as counselling business colleagues on ways to support and enhance our reputation. The Manager of Public Affairs should have exceptional communication abilities (oral, written, and presentation – in English at minimum) and an ability to persuade, while working collaboratively.

Here Are Some Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications and Reputation Management
 

• Work on strategic communication plans to enhance the company’s visibility and safeguard its reputation– demonstrate an ability to drive measurable outcomes.
• Be a key player in supporting the creation and launch of breakthrough campaigns and communications tools including press materials, social media execution and owned channels content.
• Demonstrate an ability in leveraging social, digital and paid strategies, as part of reputation-building or business-related projects.
   

Media Relations

• Deep understanding of the media landscape, including with influencers engagement.
• Have executive presence and an ability to coach senior executives and third-party spokespeople on effective message delivery.
   

Issue Anticipation And Management

• At ease in a fast-paced operating environment with numerous, sometimes competing priorities.

• Identify potential issues and collaborate with relevant functions to develop and execute issue management plans, in alignment with senior management and the Director of Public Affairs.

PR Programming And Agency Oversight

• Support the execution of PR strategies for products, brands, and programs to support strategic business objectives.
• Be the day-to-day contact for PR agency teams involved in planning and execution – ensure that deliverables are implemented on time and within budget.
   

Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface with various internal and external stakeholders, including government affairs, investor relations, legal, marketing, and medical teams.

• Provide communication guidance to country/regional Public Affairs teams and Affiliate General Managers.
   

Executive Communications

• Proven ability to influence and build relationships and trust with internal stakeholders, including peers, other functional representatives, and senior management. Prior experience in working with senior management is a strong asset.

• Develop strategic executive communications to engage Abbott’s medicines employees globally and highlight key milestones, with social amplification (internal and external).
  
   

Best Practices And Learning

• Establish and maintain strong internal and external networks to incorporate industry best practices.

• Work in a matrix organization and collaborate with other divisions to share knowledge and learning.
  
   

Education And Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing, or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.

• The ideal candidate should have 6+ years of experience in communications or public relations, with a focus on corporate communications. Consumer healthcare experience and/or experience in biologics / biosimilars is highly valued.
• Strong writing, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a successful track record in media relations and executing impactful communications.
• Must have excellent written and oral skills in English (working language) – native-speaker level, with proven storytelling abilities both verbally and in writing. In addition to English, proficiency in Spanish or in Mandarin is an advantage.
  
   

Employer Of Choice
Through numerous local, national and international accolades, Abbott is regarded as an employer of choice for our commitment to workplace excellence. Our employees are given the tools to succeed, lead and grow, with challenging opportunities and work that makes a difference. Through our diverse healthcare businesses, we connect people and potential in ways that no other company can. Discover a world of opportunities at Abbott.