Sr. Manager; Brand External Affairs (PR/Ally Development)

Job Summary Description: Under the guidance of the Director, Brand External Affairs (Corporate Affairs), develop, implement, and manage the strategic communications (PR) and ally development plans, projects, and budgets in support of the successful achievement of all critical care brand strategic plans. Develop and review strategic communication and ally development plans, projects and programs with corporate affairs leadership. Represent and guide all aspects of communications and ally development related to critical care brands at the different company levels: brands, media, internal communications, advocacy, corporate reputation, policy, and the medical community.

Major Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage strategic communications (PR) and ally development plans, projects and programs to support the effective and successful achievement of the emerging brands strategic plans
- Manage and mentor one direct report (Manager, Brand External Affairs
- As line manager and in conjunction with the Director, Brand External Affairs, assign projects and project responsibilities for the internal communications, external communications and ally development work as appropriate
- Work closely with Ally Development to ensure appropriate integration and effective relationship building across all [patient] groups
- Ensure the effective integration of internal and external communications in projects and programs.
- Primary day-to-day management of PR agencies to ensure the delivery of brand strategic communications projects and programs within budget and on schedule.
- Oversees the creation and/or review of all media materials prior to PRA
- Provide media relations support to the Director (Brand External Affairs) and other key Brand team members, including pitching stories to the media, preparing media responses and issues management materials
- Manage and monitor budgets associated with projects utilizing AZs budgeting systems, e.g., DELTA, EzBuy. Manage accruals and agency invoices; review budgets monthly; adjust budgets as needed. Identify and quickly report significant budget variances
- Role responsibilities require approximately 30% relationship management, 40% strategic planning and 40% project execution.


Responsibilities

- BS/BA degree in PR, Marketing or a related field
- 7 years Communications experience
- Effective communicator: written, verbal and presenting to groups
- Experience managing PR agencies and managing $MM+ budgets
- Knowledge and experience working with patient advocacy and professional groups
- Strong experience working with senior leaders internally and externally, message development and guidance
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry & environment
- Working knowledge and experience with marketing objectives and business strategies

Skills and Competencies:
- Strong writing skills-both internal and external audiences
- Media relations skills and training
- Understanding of relationship building with patient advocacy and professional community
- Understanding of change management principles
- Project management skills
- Strategic planning and influencing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build strategic working relationships

Preferred Background:
- Experience with issues management
- Deep knowledge of most relevant communication disciplines highly valuable
- Background in public affairs or journalism is preferred
- Healthcare PR or agency experience is preferred