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Head, Oncology Public Affairs

AbbVie

AbbVie

South San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 31, 2026

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Purpose

The Head of Oncology Public Affairs leads communications strategy and execution for the on-market and late-stage portfolio of oncology therapies at AbbVie. Oncology is a growth area at AbbVie with a legacy in blood cancer treatment innovation and an emerging solid tumor presence. The role reports to the Vice President, Global Therapeutics Communications and Public Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Responsible for driving the development and execution of communications strategies that advance commercial priorities, franchise strategies and reputation with external stakeholders.
  • Serve as the senior communications executive on the Oncology Business Unit Leadership Team to inform and influence critical business decisions through analysis and informed perspective on the external environment. Anticipate and mitigate external issues to protect reputation and business performance.
  • Drive strategy and oversee execution of integrated communications programs in partnership with cross-functional colleagues, including Marketing, Medical Affairs, Government Affairs and more.
  • Effectively partner with external stakeholders, including companies that jointly commercialize oncology therapies with AbbVie, public affairs agency partners, and oncology advocacy organizations.
  • Anticipate and prepare for the launch of oncology therapies in key markets around the world. Develop and execute strategies that create a favorable environment for access to innovative therapies.
  • Co-lead the Oncology Corporate Affairs Council with R&D Communications to maximize external and internal communication opportunities.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing public affairs team in Oncology. Advance a vision and strategy to meet evolving business needs, clearly defining objectives and priorities, and protecting and promoting AbbVie’s oncology and enterprise reputations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Minimum of 15 years public affairs leadership experience, preferably in pharmaceutical or biotech, with significant experience in the U.S. market.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing insight-driven, strategic and measurable external public affairs programs on behalf of pharmaceutical and consumer products.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team and with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
  • Leads with an enterprise mindset and connects dots across internal and external stakeholders.
  • Possess strong business acumen and understanding of AbbVie performance and operations.
  • Strong communication planning, execution and process management skills and strong interpersonal skills to quickly build rapport and credibility with AbbVie leaders as well as key internal and external stakeholders, including academic experts, patients and patient advocates, with confidence, empathy and ease.
  • Expertise in media relations, corporate reputation and issues management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing communications for a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company.

Additional Information

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. ​

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.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html