Responsibilities

• Lead global media relations and issues management strategy for DePuy Synthes, including proactive storytelling and reactive response.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders on reputational risk, emerging issues, and external narratives.
• Develop and execute crisis and issues management plans, including message frameworks, escalation protocols, and spokesperson preparation.
• Manage media inquiries related to sensitive topics such as product quality, safety, regulatory actions, litigation, and business transformation.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Legal, Regulatory, Quality, Medical Affairs, HR, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned and compliant communications.
• Monitor external media, social, and stakeholder landscapes to identify potential risks and opportunities; provide regular insights and recommendations.
• Lead the development of executive‑level briefing materials, Q&A, statements, and talking points for high‑visibility situations.
• Support enterprise‑level initiatives, including business transformation and separation activities, with clear and consistent external messaging.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field).
• Master’s degree preferred (Communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or related field).
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, issues management, corporate communications, or public affairs, including leadership at a senior manager level.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-risk, and high-visibility issues in a regulated industry (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or similar).
• Proven ability to counsel senior executives and influence decision-making under pressure.
• Strong understanding of global media landscapes and crisis communications best practices.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and clarity.
• Experience working cross-functionally with legal, regulatory, and compliance partners.

Preferred

• Experience supporting global or regional communications strategies within a matrixed organization.
• Familiarity with orthopedic, medtech, or healthcare industry dynamics.
• Prior experience with business transformation, mergers, acquisitions, or corporate separations.
• Experience serving as, or preparing, spokespersons for media engagement.
• Demonstrated people leadership or project leadership experience.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year