Senior Director, External Communications - Remote
Solventum
Summary
As Senior Director, External Communications, you will set Solventum's external communications strategy and work with leaders, teams and partners around the world to execute against it. Lead PR, media relations, social media and thought leadership efforts as a key member of the Communications & Brand leadership team, reporting to the SVP, Chief Communications and Brand Officer.
Job description
External Communications Strategy Development
- Lead creation and execution of a comprehensive global external communications strategy in collaboration with marketing and commercial teams
- Create a clear, differentiated corporate narrative and unified external voice
- Partner with internal stakeholders including marketing, legal, HR, investor relations and leadership to align on key initiatives
Media Relations & Public Relations
- Build and nurture relationships with journalists, media outlets and creators across healthcare, science, business, technology and consumer media
- Oversee development and distribution of press releases, media statements and external media materials
- Proactively create communications-led moments and campaigns
- Manage media inquiries to mitigate reputational risk
- Partner with investor relations on corporate and financial communications strategy
Social Media & Digital Communications
- Lead social media strategy across multiple platforms
- Develop content and campaigns including thought leadership articles, blog posts, social media updates and videos
- Oversee community management and social listening
Crisis Communications & Issues Management
- Lead external communications strategy during crises or reputational issues
- Partner with investor relations and participate in review of issues tied to financial health, investor confidence or governance
- Develop crisis communication plans and protocols with internal leadership, investor relations, legal and HR
- Act as trusted advisor to senior leadership on sensitive situations
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor a high-performing external communications team
- Provide guidance, professional development and a collaborative, results-driven environment
Agency Oversight and Management
- Lead and manage relationships with external agencies
- Shape external influence strategy through conferences, speaking opportunities, awards and industry relationships
- Partner with executives to develop distinctive external voices and thought leadership
- Partner with investor relations on quarterly earnings, investor days and analyst meetings
Operational Excellence & Reporting
- Implement systems and processes to measure external communications beyond impressions and press hits
- Provide regular reports and use insights to refine strategy
- Leverage latest tools and technologies including media monitoring, social media listening and analytics
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, business or a related field AND 12 years of experience in corporate communications, OR High School Diploma/GED AND 16 years of experience in corporate communications
- 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role, ideally in PR, media relations, or corporate communications
- Experience in managing external communications strategies for a global organization
- Expertise in handling crisis communications and managing complex public relations challenges
- Experience in building and leading a high-performing external communications team in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Health Savings Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Disability Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Paid Absences
- Retirement Benefits
Company overview
Solventum Corporation is an American healthcare company that was spun off from 3M on April 1, 2024, as an independent publicly traded entity listed on the NYSE under the ticker SOLV. The company represents the healthcare division of the former 3M conglomerate, focusing on advanced medical solutions across several key therapeutic areas. Solventum operates in wound care, oral care, health informatics, and biopharmaceutical filtration markets, with a portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Tegaderm, Nexcare, and other medical device products. With approximately 22,000 employees and headquarters in Maplewood, Minnesota, the company generated $8.25 billion in revenue in 2024. Solventum's mission centers on enabling better, smarter, and safer healthcare through innovative solutions at the intersection of health, materials, and data science. The company continues to expand its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as the recent agreement to acquire Acera Surgical for $725 million to enhance its regenerative wound care capabilities.