Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Public Relations)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Public Affairs (Public Relations)

🔹 Company: Abbott

🔹 Location: Alameda, California

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Healthcare

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving PR programs and integrated marketing campaigns for Abbott’s Lingo business.
• Developing and executing external public relations strategies and approaches.
• Managing high-profile projects across a matrixed organization.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the company's reputation.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of consumer, tech, and health communications, as well as experience working with senior leadership.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute external public relations strategies and approaches for key product launches, filings, data, and awareness programs.

✅ Develop compelling thought leadership and consumer-focused storylines for Abbott’s future pipeline of innovation within its Lingo business.

✅ Manage and execute integrated, insights-led campaigns to maintain and enhance Abbott’s reputation as the leader in consumer biowearables.

✅ Work with top-tier business, technology, lifestyle, and consumer reporters to enhance and protect the company’s reputation.

✅ Develop strategy, plans, and provide strategic counsel to business leaders and key stakeholders across the business.

✅ Oversee development of messages, press materials, and other communications tools.

✅ Identify and anticipate issues and work with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact and influence business decision-making process.

✅ Keep a pulse on today's communications environment and apply those learnings to maximize opportunities for Abbott’s Lingo business.

✅ Partner with various 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 communication efforts.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing, or related field.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, and/or communications with a deep understanding of how to use external communications to enhance reputation.

Required Skills:

• Strong experience in developing compelling content, including key positioning, messaging, and communications materials.
• Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to obtain top-tier media placements and manage relationships with technology, lifestyle, consumer, and business media.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in consumer, healthcare, and/or technology communications.
• Experience working on PR programs, influencer/social media programs, and issues in the U.S.
• Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of media.
• Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity, discretion, and a rapid pace of change.
• Experience in working in a regulated environment and a matrixed organization.
• Experience in crisis communication and exhibits anticipatory thinking.
• Strong judgement and executive presence.
• Proven experience in leading digital, social media, and influencer projects to build brands.
• Understanding of how to work within a matrixed organization and get things done.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and influence others.
• Ability to form authentic and effective relationships both inside and outside the organization.

ASSUMPTION: Strong writing skills, experience with senior management, and a proven track record in media relations are essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $146,700.00 - $293,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• 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 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.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of working up to 25% of the time on travel.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior manager role in public relations within the healthcare industry in the United States.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Abbott operates in the healthcare industry, with a portfolio of life-changing technologies that spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines.

Company Size: Abbott is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Abbott was founded in 1888 and has since grown into a global healthcare leader, serving people in more than 160 countries.

Company Description:

• Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life.
• The company's portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional, and branded generic medicines.
• Abbott's 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Company Specialties:

• Nutrition
• Diagnostics
• Medical Devices
• and Branded Generic Pharmaceuticals

Company Website: www.abbott.com

ASSUMPTION: Abbott's size and global presence provide a stable and supportive work environment with ample opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Public Affairs reports directly to the Director, Public Affairs and works closely with various stakeholders across the business.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of working up to 25% of the time on travel.

Growth Opportunities:

• Abbott's large size and diverse portfolio provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
• The senior manager level offers opportunities for advancement to director or vice president roles.
• Abbott's global presence provides opportunities for international assignments and relocation.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities within Abbott's large and diverse organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Abbott's Alameda location is a corporate office, providing a professional and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): 1360-1380 South Loop Road, Alameda, California

Geographic Context:

• Alameda is a small city located in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing a suburban work environment with easy access to urban amenities.
• The San Francisco Bay Area is a major hub for the healthcare industry, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
• California is a leader in the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard work schedule, with the possibility of working up to 25% of the time on travel.

ASSUMPTION: Abbott's Alameda location provides a professional and collaborative work environment, with easy access to urban amenities and ample opportunities for networking and professional development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final interview with the director or vice president
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Writing and communication skills
• Industry knowledge and media relations experience

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking.
• Research Abbott's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and company culture.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Communications, Storytelling, Project Management, Crisis Communication, Digital Strategy, Social Media, Influencer Programs, Content Development, Thought Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Reputation Management, Campaign Execution, Strategic Counsel, Relationship Management

ASSUMPTION: Abbott's hiring process is thorough and competitive, with a strong focus on finding the best fit for the role and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Media databases (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Crisis communication software (e.g., Critical Mention, Signal AI)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various communication and project management tools, as well as familiarity with social media platforms and media databases.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Invent. Improve. Impact.
• Patients are at the center of all we do.
• Integrity is the foundation of our success.
• We foster an inclusive and diverse work environment.
• We are committed to sustainability and social responsibility.

Work Style:

• Abbott values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• The company encourages innovation, creativity, and continuous learning.
• Abbott's work culture is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on results and performance.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with Abbott's company values, particularly the focus on patients, integrity, and innovation?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on results and performance?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration?

ASSUMPTION: Abbott's company culture is collaborative, innovative, and performance-driven, with a strong focus on patient care and social responsibility.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a high level of project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking, which can be challenging for candidates without relevant experience.
• The role may involve working on high-profile projects with tight deadlines and significant pressure.
• The role requires a strong understanding of consumer, tech, and health communications, as well as experience working with senior leadership.
• The role may involve working with a matrixed organization, which can present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration.

ASSUMPTION: This role presents significant challenges in terms of project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking, as well as the need for a strong understanding of consumer, tech, and health communications.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior manager roles in public relations, but with a focus on consumer biowearables and healthcare technology.
• The role requires a strong understanding of consumer, tech, and health communications, as well as experience working with senior leadership.
• The role offers significant growth opportunities within Abbott's large and diverse organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on consumer biowearables and healthcare technology, but shares similarities with other senior manager roles in public relations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a PR campaign for the launch of a new consumer biowearable product.
• Managing a crisis communication situation related to a product recall or safety issue.
• Creating and implementing a thought leadership strategy for Abbott's future pipeline of innovation within its Lingo business.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Senior Manager, Public Affairs in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for Abbott's Lingo business?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Lingo business, and how does this role address them?
• How does Abbott support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the team structure and dynamics for this role, and how does it collaborate with other departments and stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates understand the role's priorities, challenges, and opportunities, as well as Abbott's support for professional development and team dynamics.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking.
• Research Abbott's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and company culture.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.