About this Sr. Manager, Media and Issues role at Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function:
Communications & Corporate/External AffairsJob Sub Function:
External CommunicationsJob Category:
ProfessionalAll Job Posting Locations:
Raritan, New Jersey, United States of America, Raynham, Massachusetts, United States of AmericaJob Description:
Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopaedics business to establish a standalone orthopaedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.
DePuy Synthes is recruiting for a(n) Sr. Manager, Media and Issues, located in Raynham, MA, US121 NJ RARITAN - 1000 HIGHWAY 202 S
The Sr. Manager, Media and Issues is a strategic communications leader responsible for protecting and strengthening the reputation of DePuy Synthes through proactive media engagement, issues management, and crisis preparedness. This role partners closely with senior leaders, legal, regulatory, quality, and regional communications teams to anticipate risk, shape narratives, and ensure clear, timely, and accurate communications across complex and highly regulated environments.
This is a high‑impact role for a seasoned communications professional who thrives in fast‑moving situations and brings strong judgment, influence, and leadership to sensitive and high‑visibility matters.
Key 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.
Qualifications
Education
• Bachelor’s degree required (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field).
• Master’s degree preferred (Communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or related field).
Experience and Skills
Required:
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.
Other:
Language: English required; additional languages a plus.
Travel: Up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required.
Certifications: Communications or public relations certifications preferred but not required.
Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers, internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
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#DePuySynthesCareers
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Brand Reputation Management, Communications Measurement, Content Creation, Corporate Communications Management, Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Management, Cultural Competence, External Communication, Innovation, Market Research, Media Relations, Organizing, Relationship Building, Social Awareness, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking, Technical Credibility
The anticipated base pay range for this position is :
$122,000.00 - $212,750.00Additional Description for Pay Transparency:
Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off 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
Additional information can be found through the link below.
Co-Ops and Intern Positions: Please use the following language:
Co-Ops/Interns are eligible to participate in Company sponsored employee medical benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan.
Co-Ops and Interns are eligible for the following sick time benefits: up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington, up to 56 hours per calendar year.
Co-Ops and Interns are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension).
Positions Represented by CBA: Please use the following language:
This position is eligible for benefits to include medical, dental, vision and time off, as well as any others as provided for in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The following link to general company benefits information MUST also be included in the posting: Please use the following language:
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits
