Director, Discovery Communications

AbbVie'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 AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

The Director of Discovery Communications is a pivotal leader responsible for architecting and executing strategic communication plans to support AbbVie’s SVP and Global Head of Discovery Research. As the lead communications counselor for the Discovery organization, this director orchestrates both internal and external communications initiatives to promote early science innovations and new areas of investment, in collaboration with pipeline and external innovation communications colleagues. This role also provides strategic oversight for R&D site communications, ensuring it reaches and impacts AbbVie’s worldwide R&D network. The Director reports to the Head of Pipeline & External Innovation Communications.

Core Competencies:

• Scientific Expertise: Translate scientific insights into engaging and compelling narratives for diverse audiences and channels.
• Strategic Business Insight: Provide strategic framing and context, shaping communication priorities to align seamlessly with overarching business imperatives.
• Executive Consultation: Deliver strategic advice on communication approaches and engagement strategies to senior executives.
• Content Strategy Mastery: Demonstrate expertise in communication dynamics, fostering both employee engagement and media relationships.
• Enterprise Perspective: Maintain a comprehensive understanding of organizational impact and foster a holistic, enterprise-wide mindset.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Champion collaboration by dismantling silos and nurturing partnerships across functional boundaries.
• Inspirational Leadership: Cultivate accountability and excellence within the team, inspiring both direct and indirect members.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the SVP and Global Head of Discovery Research and the Chief of Staff to design and implement communication strategies for the Discovery organization.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor on the Discovery leadership team, guiding senior leaders.
• Lead content development and executive communication initiatives, establishing AbbVie’s thought leadership in discovery research, aligned with the R&D strategy and identity.
• Identify and develop compelling stories to captivate employees and external stakeholders, including media, in partnership with R&D Communications colleagues.
• Prepare Discovery leaders for effective message delivery, media engagements, and external speaking opportunities.
• Coordinate strategic support for local communication initiatives with R&D site communicators and HR collaborators.
• Partner with the Discovery Research culture lead to ensure integration of cultural initiatives as part of communications plans.
• Provide strategic support for AbbVie Ventures to enhance the company’s approach to external innovation.
• Contribute to the R&D communications team by participating in annual planning, budget management, and the development of initiatives supporting R&D and enterprise goals.
• Represent the corporate affairs function on the Executive Animal Committee and lead issues management for discovery research.
• Collaborate with divisions such as government affairs, investor relations, legal, and regulatory teams to align communication efforts.
• Develop and implement metric frameworks to assess the effectiveness of communications, enabling continuous improvement and data-driven strategies.
• Strong leader for associate director/ manager, providing development and coaching to grow pipeline of talent.

• A PhD and experience in scientific communications are preferred. A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a life sciences field is required.
• Demonstrated executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across diverse communication contexts. Experience with C-suite and senior executives is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the healthcare, science and media landscapes, along with strong business and financial acumen.
• At least 10 years of experience in developing and executing communications programs within a corporate environment preferred.
• Exceptional writing skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Previous experience in the biopharmaceutical R&D industry or a related field is preferred.
• Dynamic leadership capability, committed to mentoring and enhancing the skills of direct reports, driving team success.

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. ​

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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