Senior Manager, Workplace Communications

$125,300 - $250,700/Yr

Abbott Laboratories - Lake Bluff, IL

Full-time - Senior

Lake Bluff, IL

10,001+ employees

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Communications Manager at Abbott will play a crucial role in shaping and executing an external communications strategy that positions Abbott as a leading global company and employer. This position is based at Abbott Park, Illinois, and requires a strategic thinker with a creative storytelling ability. The successful candidate will work closely with top-tier media and develop compelling narratives for various communication channels, including traditional, digital, and social media. The role demands an excellent writer who understands the media landscape and can create impactful content that enhances the company's reputation across multiple attributes, including management and workplace communications. In this role, the Senior Communications Manager will be responsible for cultivating strong relationships with media and social media influencers, maintaining engagement with editors and reporters, and collaborating with C-suite leaders to implement effective communication strategies. The position also involves preparing Abbott leadership for media interactions, managing on-site media events, and utilizing social media channels to drive engagement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate principled leadership, adaptability in a dynamic environment, and a global perspective, while treating colleagues with respect and integrity. This position reports directly to the Divisional Vice President of External Communications and requires a readiness to travel approximately 15% annually. The Senior Communications Manager will be instrumental in enhancing Abbott's corporate reputation and employer brand through strategic communication efforts.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute an external communications strategy for Abbott.
• Position Abbott as a leading company and employer globally through proactive communications.
• Cultivate relationships with media and social media influencers.
• Maintain and develop relationships with editors and reporters, focusing on workforce topics and corporate reputation.
• Collaborate with C-suite leaders to develop and implement communications strategies.
• Prepare Abbott leadership for media interviews, including key message development.
• Manage on-site media interviews and events.
• Utilize social media channels and engagement strategies effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public affairs, or related field, or equivalent real-world experience.
• More than 10 years of experience in media relations and/or journalism.
• Deep understanding of using external communications to enhance reputation.
• Strong contacts and working relationships with top-tier workplace media.
• Ability to achieve results in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to use communications to drive business results.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to clarify and communicate ideas succinctly.
• Experience in developing and implementing media relations plans and managing relationships with national/international contacts.
• Proficient in using and creating social media content to drive awareness and engagement.
• Understanding of how media covers workforce issues and how companies can position themselves as strong employers.

Benefits

• Free medical coverage for employees via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO.
• Excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement and Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit for obtaining a bachelor's degree.
• Career development opportunities within an international company.
• Recognition as a great place to work and for diversity.