Position Information

• Company: Abbott International
• Division:  Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals;Advertising and PR Services
• Job Category:  Marketing/Product
• Location:  Abbott Park, IL 60064
• Job Status/Type:  Full Time, Employee
• Reference Code:60796BR

SR DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION:
The director heads the Public Affairs function for Abbott International, managing strategic internal and external communication for this business, and providing counsel to management within the operating division.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures.

* Oversee global communications strategies and execution for Abbott International (Abbott's pharmaceutical business outside the U.S.), including Public Affairs prorgramming in affiliates.
* Support and reinforce Abbott's corporate reputation management position and programming.
* Identify proactive marketing communications and media relations programs and provide strategic oversight and direction to division function team.
* Manage division and local market issues and provide strategic counsel to management to ensure effective decision-making.
* Serve as a company spokesperson for with top-tier media in a variety of situations, including issues/crisis and major announcements.
* Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Government Affairs teams -- along with external industry associations -- to develop proactive positions and messages on key public policy issues and to communicate those messages to the news media and other critical audiences.
* Implement internal employee communications programs by supporting Abbott's values and business strategy.
* Ensure professional development and growth opportunities for PA staff in affiliates and at HQ.

STAFF MANAGEMENT:
Manages multiple exempt and nonexempt direct report employees. In addition to being responsible for career path and personnel development, director has hiring and termination decision authority. The director conducts annual performance reviews and has salary and merit budgetary responsibilities for up to 10 people.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY/SCOPE:
Director is responsible for oversight of and meeting expectations for annual marketing communications and departmental budgets ranging from $4,000,000 -$6,000,000. These include management of expenses (such as PR agency spend), expense reports, travel, headcount and operating expenses. This position is accountable for both internal and external interactions of the function and department members.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to the President of Abbott International and has a dotted line to the DVP, External Communications, Corporate Public Affairs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Qualifications:
This position requires a learned professional, specifically with expertise in public relations and reputation management.

* A minimum 15 years experience, with 8 years of Public Relations experience required.
* Previous PR experience/responsibilities include: reputation/corporate identity management; media strategy; development and implementation of large marketing communications programs; issues management (served as primary counselor); executive communications and speech writing; internal/employee communications.
* Healthcare background, previous experience in pharmaceuticals/nutritionals/diagnostics/devices is required.
* Experience with international affiliates, managing global media relationships, and understanding of market dynamics is required.
* Core understanding of the media and how it works -- can effectively develop relationships with reporters to accomplish Abbott's objectives and manage messages in stories.
* Experience overseeing multilevel staff and/or PR agencies.
* Ability to build relationships and trust with internal clients and other key stakeholders to reinforce communication

Preferred Qualifications:
* Pharmaceutical industry experience strongly preferred.
* European media relations experience preferred.
* Bilingual skills a plus.
* Prefer 10 years public relations experience in a corporate or an agency environment.
* Policy or Public Affairs experience is a plus.

Bachelor's degree in a communication discipline, such as journalism or public relations. Master's degree preferred, but not necessary.

SOURCE: ONLINE JOB WEBSITE 05/12/09
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