Director, Diagnostics Public Affairs (Public Relations)

## 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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

## 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 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 currently seeking a **Director, Public Affairs (Public Relations)** for Abbott’s Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics business, based in Lake Forest, Illinois. This position will report to the Senior Director, Business Public Affairs of Diagnostics and support Abbott’s Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics businesses.

The Public Affairs Director for Abbott’s Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics has global responsibility for public relations, internal and external communications activities, and issues management for the business. Focus areas include traumatic brain injury (TBI)/concussion, infectious diseases, and cardiac testing.

The ideal candidate is a strong and passionate storyteller in consumer and health, with the ability to understand complex subjects and research. The candidate has a proven track record of leading integrated communications programs, securing top‑tier media placements, developing compelling internal and external content, building thought‑leadership plans, managing issues and crises, and developing strategic consumer and HCP communications.

The candidate will be self‑motivated and nimble, thrive in a fast‑paced dynamic environment, and have experience supporting and executing successful PR and communications programs in the U.S. and internationally. We seek a candidate with the ability to manage multiple projects across a matrixed organization and work collaboratively with corporate groups and other PR teams/agencies.

## What You’ll Work On

– Lead global PR and communications strategy for Abbott’s rapid and molecular diagnostic business.
– Manage and execute global, integrated, insights‑led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in diagnostics. Focus areas include TBI/concussion, cardiac testing, and infectious diseases.
– Cultivate strong relationships with reporters and help drive coverage in top‑tier consumer and trade media. Maintain relationships with key contacts through thoughtful, strategic engagement.
– Create multimedia, content, influencer, social, and digital strategies to complement and drive key PR campaigns. Serve as an internal expert on today’s communications environment.
– Identify and anticipate issues and work with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact and influence business decision‑making.
– Provide strategic counsel to marketing and commercial leaders, internal/external partners, and leadership on business‑related efforts and initiatives.
– Partner with stakeholders including regulatory affairs, operations, 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 communications efforts.
– Collaborate with Public Affairs colleagues globally to support external PR strategies for key product launches/filings, clinical and real‑world data, product awareness programs, outreach, and influencer programs.

## Required Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing, or related field.
– 12+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, and/or communications, with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation.
– Experience working with and counseling senior management.
– Experience working on PR programs, influencer/social media programs, and issues in the U.S. and internationally.
– Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications, and project management skills.

## Preferred Qualifications

– Experience in consumer, healthcare, and/or technology communications.
– Strong experience developing compelling content for product communications and developing key positioning, messaging, and toolkits.
– Strong contacts and working relationships with top‑tier media; proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with consumer and business media.
– Experience with international PR campaigns and media landscapes.
– Experience working in a regulated environment.
– Ability to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity, discretion, and rapid change.
– Experience in crisis communication and anticipatory thinking.
– Strong judgment and executive presence.
– Proven experience leading digital, social media, and influencer projects to build brands.
– Understanding of how to work within a matrixed organization.
– Ability to communicate persuasively and influence others.
– Ability to form authentic and effective relationships inside and outside the organization.

## Apply Now

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:
[https://abbottbenefits.com/]

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 [www.abbott.com], on Facebook at [www.facebook.com/Abbott], and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

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**Base Pay Range:**
$149,300.00 – $298,700.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.