Director, Solid Tumor Communications and Public Affairs

Company Description

Abb Vie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about Abb Vie, please visit us at  Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Linked In and Tik Tok.

Oncology is an important Abb Vie growth driver. This position is responsible for solid tumor corporate affairs strategies supportive of the Oncology Business Unit and as a member of the Global Therapeutics Communications and Public Affairs organization. The role drives multiple objectives, including promoting and protecting Abb Vie’s commercial business by identifying and driving brand-supportive communications and campaigns, supporting treatment access, and importantly a deep understanding of the cancer patient journey that is reflected in program recommendations and counsel to the enterprise and business.

Responsibilities include:

• U.S. oriented external, industry-leading communication programs and initiatives to elevate key messages and positive awareness of Abb Vie’s on-market and late-stage solid tumor therapies in the U.S., while leading with cross-functional partners to elevate the company’s oncology reputation.
• The position reports to the Head of Oncology Public Affairs and serves as a member of a cross-Corporate Affairs oncology team.
• This role also collaborates with functions across the organization, including Commercial leadership, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, Corporate Communications, Research and Development Communications and International Public Affairs colleagues to identify and maximize opportunities.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Serves as communications advisor to therapeutic area franchise, ensuring programs are creatively developed and executed with the external environment in mind.
• Defines and executes an on-market/late stage solid tumor corporate affairs strategy and narrative aligned to brand strategic imperatives and Abb Vie Corporate Affairs reputational goals and supports the ovarian and lung cancer patient experience and disease awareness.
• Oversees and implements tactical program elements, ensuring deliverables are met on time and on budget across paid, earned, shared, and owned channels.
• Represents function on Integrated Brand Teams and proactively contributes to decision making with cross-functional business partners.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of U.S. media environment and has media relations experience and skills to ensure effective engagement with reporters.
• Manages issues that affect the business overall by proactively anticipating and mitigating reputational risk to Abb Vie and oncology brands.
• Drives agency partner performance and ensures effective use of Abb Vie resources.
• Ensures compliance by managing review process for external communications materials (press releases, statements, response documents, fact sheets, etc.). Keep various parties apprised of status, timelines, and directional shifts to ensure smooth review process and to meet corporate deadlines.
• Consistently shares best practices and offers new ideas and thoughts to raise the bar for the Business Unit Communications team.

• Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, journalism, communications or equivalent
• Minimum of 10 years public relations experience
• Proven track record in developing and executing strategic and measurable external public affairs programs, as well as experience in leading high-performing teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, creativity, analytical and leadership capabilities, and a strong understanding of the value of public relations within the integrated marketing mix.
• The ability to provide strategic counsel for a variety of communication scenarios to senior internal and external stakeholders will be vital.
• A team player who can work effectively in a cross-functional…