Senior Manager, Diagnostics Public Affairs (Public Relations)

Job ID: 31156595Company: Abbott LaboratoriesLocation: Lake Forest, Illinois, United StatesEmployment type: full timeCategory: CommunicationsIndustry: HealthcarePosted: 2026-10-05

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 122,000 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 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 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.

SENIOR MANAGER, Diagnostics PUBLIC AFFAIRS, Abbott (PUBLIC RELATIONS)

LOCATION : Lake Forest, IL

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, nutrition, and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Manager (Public Relations) to join our Public Affairs team based in Lake Forest, Illinois. This position will support our Core Diagnostics business and report to the Senior Director, Business Public Affairs of Diagnostics.

The Public Affairs senior manager for Abbott's Core Diagnostics has global responsibility for public relations, external communications activities and issues management for key priorities in the business, including Abbott and the Big Ten’s We Give Blood competition.

The ideal candidate is a strong and passionate storyteller in consumer and health, while being able to understand complex subjects and research. The candidate has a proven-track record of developing strategic and integrated communications programs for both consumer and HCP communications, strong storytelling and media relations skills and managing issues.

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

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Senior Director, Public Affairs to set and drive the PR and communications strategy for Abbott’s Core Diagnostics business.
• Manage and execute integrated, insights-led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in diagnostics, including Abbott and the Big Ten’s We Give Blood competition.

• Work with top-tier business, lifestyle and consumer reporters to enhance and protect the company’s reputation as well as advance business objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to marketing and commercial leaders, internal/external partners, and leadership on business-related efforts and initiatives. 
• Create multimedia, content, influencer, social and digital strategies to complement and drive key PR campaigns.
• 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.
• Partner with various stakeholders including regulatory affairs, operations, quality, R&D, HR, government affairs, investor relations, legal, finance and senior management.
• Keep a pulse on today's communications environment and apply those learnings to maximize opportunities for Abbott’s diagnostics business.
• Media train and coach business leaders and spokespeople on delivery of key messages.
• Set metrics to measure effectiveness of public relations and communications efforts.
• This role will also work in partnership with Public Affairs colleagues in countries outside the U.S. to support the development and execution of external public relations strategies and approaches for key product launches/filings, key clinical and real-world data, product awareness programs/outreach and influencer programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field.
• 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.
• Experience working with and counseling senior management.
• Experience working on PR programs, influencer/social media programs, and issues in the U.S. and internationally. 
• Strong experience in developing compelling content, including messaging and communications materials, and a consistent track record of excellent writing, communications and project management skills.

PREFERRED

• Experience in consumer, healthcare, and/or technology communications.
• Strong experience in developing compelling content for product communications and developing key positioning, messaging, toolkits.
• Strong contacts and working relationships with a variety of top-tier media. Proven ability in placing media stories and managing relationships with consumer and business media.
• Experience in working in a regulated environment.
• Able to achieve results while dealing with ambiguity, discretion, and a rapid pace of change.
• Experience in crisis communication and exhibits anticipatory thinking.
• Exhibits 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.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and influence others.
• Ability to form authentic and effective relationships both inside and outside the organization.

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

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.

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The base pay for this position is $129,300.00 – $258,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.]]><