[Hiring] Senior Director, External Communications @SOLVENTUM

Role Description

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. We are seeking an experienced, results-driven individual to lead our company’s PR, media relations, social media and thought leadership efforts. This role will be instrumental in helping to shape our external brand, protecting our reputation and driving our messaging to a variety of stakeholders, including media, regulators, customers and the public.

This position will require a strategic thinker with hands-on expertise in executing external communications initiatives while navigating the complexities of a growing, global organization. The Senior Director will oversee the development and implementation of external communications strategies, working closely with executive leadership to ensure consistent, clear and impactful messaging.

Here, you will make an impact by:

• External Communications Strategy Development:
  • Lead the 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 to align on key external communications initiatives.
• Media Relations & Public Relations:
  • Build and nurture relationships with journalists and media outlets.
  • Oversee the development and distribution of press releases and media materials.
  • Proactively create communications-led moments and campaigns.
  • Manage media inquiries with sound judgment.
• Social Media & Digital Communications:
  • Lead Solventum’s social media strategy across multiple platforms.
  • Develop content and campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
  • Oversee community management and social listening.
• Crisis Communications & Issues Management:
  • Lead the external communications strategy during crises or reputational issues.
  • Partner with investor relations for issues tied to financial health.
  • Develop crisis communication plans and protocols.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead and mentor a high-performing external communications team.
  • Oversee the development of external communications talent.
• Agency Oversight and Management:
  • Lead and manage relationships with external agencies.
  • Shape Solventum’s external influence strategy.
  • Ensure alignment with the interests of key stakeholders.
• Operational Excellence & Reporting:
  • Implement systems and processes to measure external communications.
  • Ensure the company is leveraging the latest tools and technologies.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• Exceptional storytelling, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in media relationships and a track record of generating sustained, high-impact earned coverage.
• Expertise in social media and modern communications channels.
• Experience working in industries such as medtech, healthcare or highly regulated sectors is a plus.
• Experience overseeing external agencies.
• Leadership skills, including team development and influencing senior executives.
• Experience measuring communications impact.
• A global mindset with the ability to adapt communications strategies.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented leader.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Disability Benefits and Life Insurance.
• Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits.

Company Description

At Solventum, we improve lives by helping healthcare professionals do their best work. We partner closely with the brightest minds in healthcare to ensure that every solution we create melds the latest technology with compassion and empathy.