Job Description Summary

Job Description

We are the makers of possible
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you’ll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a maker of possible with us.

The Opportunity
The Vice President, Public Relations is a key member of the Corporate Communications and Social Investing Leadership Team, with primary responsibility for creating and implementing impactful proactive external communication and media relations strategies that align with business priorities and drive awareness for BD and its innovations and products. Reporting to the SVP, Chief Communications Officer, this role will lead the development and execution of strategic plans, messages, processes and materials designed to improve presence in the media and with various stakeholders to drive understanding of BD’s strategy and products. They will also act as primary spokesperson for the company.

This role will also collaborate closely with senior executives—including C-level segment and business unit presidents and functional leaders—to strategically elevate and sequence key announcements and milestones, guided by the current media landscape and sentiment as well as ensure business unit and segment communications align to corporate priorities. This individual will lead media relations and issues management for a variety of topics, including recalls, litigation and other sensitive matters. This professional also plays a critical role as a leader of a team of communicators responsible for advancing storytelling across the businesses in alignment with company priorities, as well as the corporate social media team. They will have proven experience leading a team, coaching and developing talent, and building effective organizational structures with the right capabilities and resources — including strategic use of

external partners and agencies.

The Vice President, Public Relations will bring a sharp understanding of today’s media landscape, with a strong track record of creating an earned media strategy, placing stories in a variety of outlets, handling various media scenarios as spokesperson and media contact, and creating relevant measurement and KPIs. They will also have proven relationships with key members of the press, including top-tier media outlets, healthcare and business reporters, and
trade publications.

This role is based (four days per week) out of our Franklin Lakes, NJ World HQ. Other BD locations may be considered.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communicators and social media professionals, driving talent and performance, ensuring optimal mix of sources and skill sets.

• Develop, manage and successfully implement comprehensive and integrated communication plans for products and innovation stories, including product launches, regulatory milestones and ongoing product news. Lead strategies and programs that support high-risk, high-impact matters such as mergers and acquisitions, facility expansions, product recalls, litigation, facility closings and other highly sensitive projects.

• Serve as lead company spokesperson across a multitude of media outlets and other external stakeholders. Cultivate and leverage deep relationships with key media outlets, editors, producers, and journalists.

• Build proactive and reactive communication and media outreach strategies that align with BD business objectives, marketing strategies and overarching company priorities to ensure positive perceptions of the company and support BD’s overall reputation.

• Lead enterprise-wide communications for issues management and crisis response, including communication counsel to senior leadership and the development of plans and messages.

• Effectively position complex technology and healthcare advancements within the broader context of current and emerging industry trends, particularly those gaining traction in media coverage.

• Shape and pitch compelling stories, op-eds, and interview opportunities that resonate with key media contacts.

• Act as primary communication counselor to segment presidents and business leaders and advise on communication strategy, with proven experience developing internal customer closeness and proactively building team and functional reputation as valued counselors.

• Maintain policies and procedures for communication material development and issues management, as well as build and maintain positive, effective relationships with internal business/product teams.

• Effectively partner across the Corporate Communications team, working closely with Internal Communications, Executive Communications and Functional Communications colleagues to ensure alignment across initiatives, messages and content.

• Actively manage agencies and consultants that support BD public relations initiatives.

• Prepare internal stakeholders with media coaching and cohesive messaging in advance of media interviews, publicly attended/viewed forums and/or employee events.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Journalism, Public Relations or Communication.

• Minimum 15-20 years of relevant experience in communication, with at least seven-ten years of PR, media and crisis communication experience and five-ten managing teams.

• Extensive experience as a spokesperson for a publicly traded company.

• Proven track record of securing proactive product and corporate media coverage with top tier media outlets.

• Established and trusted relationships with key media contacts, including national outlets, healthcare journalists, and industry-specific publications.

• Proven ability to effectively communicate with an emphasis on message development with excellent writing and editing skills.

• Demonstrated success in leading, managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Excellent strategic judgment and experience managing high-profile media campaigns and complex messaging environments.

• Proven expertise in developing medical, technical and/or scientific messages for external communications.

• Strategic thinker with ability to assess situation(s) and counsel on best strategies to garner positive outcomes with measurable results.

• Self-starter with bias for action who drives results and outcomes, with proven ability to build relationships at all levels of the company and be recognized as a valued counselor.

• Proven ability to think independently and make sound decisions and recommendations regarding communication programs/issues/crisis communication.

• Demonstrate ability to effectively handle multiple activities and respond to changing priorities with good judgment.

• Critical attention to detail and proven ability to drive quality in the team.

Fundamental Personal Characteristics

• Lives BD’s values

• Agile learner

• Strong, demonstrated business ethics

• Servant leader

Why Join Us?
A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.

You will learn and work alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the trajectory of BD while leaving a legacy at the same time. And through the organization’s investment in BD University, you will continually level up your tech skills and expertise.

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health.

At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

.

Primary Work Location

Additional Locations

Work Shift

At BD, we are strongly committed to investing in our associates—their well-being and development, and in providing rewards and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture. We demonstrate this commitment by offering a valuable, competitive package of compensation and benefits programs which you can learn more about on our Careers Site under Our Commitment to You.

Salary or hourly rate ranges have been implemented to reward associates fairly and competitively, as well as to support recognition of associates’ progress, ranging from entry level to experts in their field, and talent mobility. There are many factors, such as location, that contribute to the range displayed. The salary or hourly rate offered to a successful candidate is based on experience, education, skills, and any step rate pay system of the actual work location, as applicable to the role or position. Salary or hourly pay ranges may vary for Field-based and Remote roles.

Salary Range Information