Manager, Public Relations (Medical Devices)

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.

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 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 .
• Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
• An excellent retirement savings plan with 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 around the world 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 a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Manager, Public Relations(Public Affairs) to support our Electrophysiology and Heart Failure businesses, two cardiovascular divisions within our Medical Devices portfolio. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Public Affairs for Abbott's Electrophysiology and Heart Failure businesses. This role is responsible for supporting the two businesses and executing communications programs and strategies that drive the business and enhance Abbott's reputation among employees, health care professionals, investors and consumers. The Manager must be able to think strategically and provide thoughtful counsel to a broad range of internal and external stakeholders across varying levels of management. Success in the role means being very comfortable with a fast pace and ability to juggle multiple projects while bringing creativity to the role. All divisional Business Public Relations (Public Affairs) functions report into Abbott's Corporate Public Affairs department. This position works with a broad range of patients, external stakeholders and across a matrixed environment at both the corporate and division level, including Marketing, Sales, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Quality, HR, Government Affairs, Investor Relations, Legal and Finance.

This position works out of our Plymouth, MN or our Pleasanton, CA location.

What You’ll Work On

• Lead Public Relations activities for the Heart Failure patient ambassador program in the United States by interfacing with patients who benefit from Abbott’s devices and external patient advocacy organization. Work directly with Senior Manager, Public Affairs, to develop communications and media strategies to amplify the patient voices.
• Develop external Public Relations strategies for identified global product launches/filings, clinical data presentations at major medical meetings, product awareness programs/outreach, and disease-state awareness efforts.
• Foster and leverage relationships with national consumer, regional and trade media to enhance and protect the company's reputation and advance business objectives. Proactively pitch stories to increase Abbott's share of voice.
• Create multimedia content and digital strategies to complement key PR announcements on a variety of social and owned channels. Collaborate with Abbott's Corporate Public Affairs and Content teams to infuse corporate owned and social channels with content from the business unit.
• Partner with sales and field clinical teams to build relationships with key opinion leaders to support media and Public Relations objectives.
• Assist the team in developing plans that support the communication needs and product promotion activities of international country managers and affiliates around the world.
• Bring to the table an understanding of today’s communications trends amongst earned, owned, social and paid media.
• Support the team with issues management as needed to help minimize reputation/business impact and influence business decision-making process.
• Help measure and communicate effectiveness of internal and external communication efforts to business and corporate stakeholders.
• Update press materials and other communications tools as needed.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, communications, business, marketing or related field is required.
• 6+ years of experience in Public Relations, with experience in a corporate environment or Public Relations agency

• Able to achieve results within a rapidly changing, fluid and highly matrixed environment.
• Must have a track record of excellent professional writing, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience developing and implementing media relations plans and proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with national/international contacts.
• Experience assisting or leading digital and social media projects.
• Experience in health care and/or a regulated and global environment is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with and counseling senior management is preferred, but not required.

• Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.

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

The base pay for this position is $95,000.00 – $190,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.