Director, Oncology, International Public Affairs

Purpose

The Director, Oncology is responsible for leading public affairs across therapeutic areas within AbbVie's international business. This leader and their team will deliver impactful therapeutic communications, market‑shaping strategies to accelerate access to treatment, patient advocacy engagement, and targeted disease profiling initiatives aligned to AbbVie's priorities. The role will work closely with Europe and Intercontinental Area and Affiliate colleagues to ensure strong country‑level execution that supports patient access to innovative medicines and advances standards of care. In addition, it serves as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders across the therapeutic areas of responsibility, ensuring alignment on priorities, strategy, and impact. The role is a member of the International Public Affairs Leadership Team. This position reports to the Head of International Public Affairs.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of public affairs priorities across AbbVie's oncology portfolio.
• Partner with cross‑functional colleagues, including government affairs, market access, and medical, to develop communication and advocacy strategies that elevate standards of care and improve patient access.
• Set clear priorities across franchises, focusing resources and effort where public affairs strategies can deliver differentiated impact.
• Work closely with colleagues in Europe / Intercontinental regions and Affiliates to ensure strong pull‑through of international strategies and effective measurement of execution.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering individual growth and sustained impact.
• Collaborate with U.S. therapeutic communications and R&D communications teams to support a “One AbbVie” approach to pipeline development and leadership in oncology.
• Contribute as a member of the International Public Affairs Leadership Team, supporting the culture, development, and strategic priorities of the broader function.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders across commercial, market access, medical, and other functions, providing counsel that strengthens alignment, decision‑making, and impact.
• Represent AbbVie externally, including building and maintaining relationships with priority patient organizations and media.
• Model AbbVie's ways of working by anticipating communication trends and building new capabilities and efficiencies across International Public Affairs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in public affairs, patient advocacy, external affairs, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, or a life sciences field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading therapeutic area public affairs, including milestone communications and targeted disease awareness initiatives.
• Experience working across international markets strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within senior leadership teams and to articulate the value of public affairs within a matrix environment.
• Strong executive presence, excellent writing skills, and the ability to communicate with impact.
• Track record of developing and executing measurable advocacy and communications strategies.
• Ability to provide sound judgement and counsel across a wide range of communication scenarios, often under tight timelines and with incomplete information.
• Experience and interest in leading, developing, and motivating teams.
• Oncology experience preferred.