Senior R&D Communications Lead: Strategy & Storytelling

Allergan; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in the United States seeks an Associate Director, R&D Integrated Communications to lead cross-R&D messaging, translate complex science into clear narratives, and align plans across therapeutic areas and Corporate Affairs. You will oversee KPI-driven storytelling, manage budgets and agency partners, and coach executives on communications strategy for internal and external audiences.

This role requires 10+ years of integrated communications, strong cross-functional leadership, and a

Qualifications

• 10+ years integrated communications experience, including 5 years in a communications or marketing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in communications, marketing, business, public relations, journalism or life sciences preferred.
• Master’s Degree or other postgraduate work preferred
• Strong project management and execution skills with measurable outcomes.
• Experience advising senior executives and a variety of internal/external stakeholders.
• Growth mindset, self-motivated and able to see the bigger picture.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages AbbVie R&D messaging that articulates strategy, priorities, pipeline progress and impact.
• Ensures consistent message pull-through across channels and materials.
• Identifies R&D storytelling opportunities across written, video, web and social formats.
• Serves as lead producer for The Persistence Lab podcast, including speaker management and promotion.
• Co-creates and manages a content calendar with key partners for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborates across R&D Communications, Corporate Marketing and Corporate Affairs to amplify content.
• Defines KPIs and measures impact to strengthen storytelling and channel strategy.
• Oversees program budgets and agency partners.

Skills

Strategic messaging

Narrative development

Omnichannel content strategy

Communications measurement

Business acumen

Executive counsel

Cross-functional partnership

Leadership

AI for storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/PR/life sciences

Master's degree or postgraduate work

Job description

AbbVie in the United States seeks an Associate Director, R&D Integrated Communications to lead cross-R&D messaging, translate complex science into clear narratives, and align plans across therapeutic areas and Corporate Affairs. You will oversee KPI-driven storytelling, manage budgets and agency partners, and coach executives on communications strategy for internal and external audiences.

This role requires 10+ years of integrated communications, strong cross-functional leadership, and a