Director, Diagnostics Public Affairs (Public Relations)

Job ID: 31156593Company: Abbott LaboratoriesLocation: United States - Illinois - Lake ForestJob Type: Full timeCategory: CommunicationsIndustry: HealthcarePosted Date: 2026-07-23Abbott 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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.Working at AbbottAt Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your 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 a 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 worldwide 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.The OpportunityWe are currently seeking a Director, Public Affairs (Public Relations) for Abbott’s Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics business, based in Lake Forest, Illinois. This position will report to the Senior Director, Business Public Affairs of Diagnostics and support Abbott’s Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics businesses at Abbott.The Public Affairs director for Abbott's Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics has global responsibility for public relations, internal and external communications activities and issues management for the business, with focus areas including traumatic brain injury (TBI)/concussion, infectious diseases, and cardiac testing. 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 leading integrated communications programs, top-tier media placements, developing compelling internal and external content, building thought leadership plans, managing issues and crises, and developing strategic consumer and HCP communications.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. What You'll Work OnLead global PR and communications strategy for Abbott’s rapid and molecular diagnostic business.Manage and execute global, integrated, insights-led campaigns that help maintain and enhance Abbott as the leader in diagnostics. Focus areas include TBI/concussion, cardiac testing and infectious diseases.Cultivate strong relationships with reporters and help drive coverage in top-tier, consumer and trade media. Maintain relationships with key contacts through thoughtful, strategic engagement.Create multimedia, content, influencer, social and digital strategies to complement and drive key PR campaigns. Bring to the table an understanding of today's communications environment and serve as an internal expert throughout the division.Identify and anticipate issues and work with appropriate functions to counsel management on reputation/business impact and influence business decision making process.Provide strategic counsel to marketing and commercial leaders, internal/external partners, and leadership on business-related efforts and initiatives. 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 communications efforts.This role will work in partnership with Public Affairs colleagues in regions and countries outside the U.S., 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.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing or related field.12+ 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. Consistent track record of excellent writing, communications and project management skills.Preferred Qualifications 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 with international PR campaigns and media landscapes.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.Apply NowLearn 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.Connect with us at , on Facebook at and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobalThe base pay for this position is $149,300.00 – $298,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.Skillspublic affairspublic relationsinternal communicationsexternal communicationsmedia relationscontent developmentinfluencer marketingsocial media managementissues managementcrisis communicationsstrategic planningproject managementcontent marketingregulatory affairs collaborationstakeholder engagementrelationship managementcontent positioningmedia trainingmetrics developmentmatrix managementexecutive presencecross-functional collaborationcrisis communicationdigital campaignsproduct launch supportproduct awareness programsinfluencer program management