VP External Relations & Strategic Communications (Job Number:10562)
Description
Summary:
The Vice President Communications is responsible for designing and executing a strategic communication and external relations strategy to position Blue Cross as Minnesota’s health care leader with key stakeholders including members, employees, community, regulators and media. The Vice President will align and implement key messages, platforms, our mission and external relations strategy across the organization. The VP will need to work in strong partnership with Government Affairs, Foundation, Center for Prevention and Sales/Marketing. This position will have direct reporting responsibility for external public relations and internal corporate communication and community relations.
Accountabilities:
1. Create and execute external relations and communication strategy to support strategic priorities and mission, enhance Blue Cross’ organizational reputation and strengthen Blue Cross’ position as a thought leader.
2. Provide strong matrix leadership to implement the external relations strategy and ensure alignment of key messages and initiatives across Blue Cross Blue Shield and its affiliates.
3. Develop strong partnerships with internal stakeholders such as Government Affairs, internal community relations, Foundation, Center for Prevention, Marketing/Sales and key business operations.
4. In collaboration with appropriate internal business partners, develop strong relationships with external stakeholders such as media, community programs, business leaders, government and industry associations.
5. Provide leadership to manage reputational issues affecting Blue Cross, including a proactive social media strategy.
6. Create plans to utilize CEO and senior leaders in the organization as public spokespersons on behalf of Blue Cross. Direct teams to create speeches and presentations to support leader profiles.
7. Lead the creation and execution of integrated communications plans and campaigns that communicate a cohesive, compelling story to our employees regarding the strategic plan and major transformation initiatives.
8. Build, develop and lead a diverse high performing team through recruiting, developing and retaining talent, as well as building a solid rapport with the existing senior leadership team.
The job description in not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all functions of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.
- Work is performed in an office setting
- In-state and out-of-state travel occasionally required
- Required travel between Eagan campus building locations
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Ten years of experience in public relations, employee communications and general communication, including experience leading a comprehensive strategic communications and media relations program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
- Demonstrated ability to lead in a matrix organization and to manage in a highly changing and transforming environment.
- Experience working as a senior communications counselor for senior leaders on both proactive topics as well as issue management.
- Leader, collaborator and implementer who thrives in mission driven environment.
- Sound business acumen and understanding of healthcare, political and media environment.
- Strong leadership ability, proven skills in diplomacy, and the ability to pursue goals with tenacity. The preferred candidate will be an expert strategist with the capacity to understand, develop, and lead strategic and operational plans. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop collaborative and high-level relationships with key stakeholders.
- The position requires executive presence and expertise necessary to be viewed with confidence by senior leadership, the board, and external stakeholders. Along with the highest ethical standards the incumbent must share the organization’s commitment to its key values under which it operates.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior Healthcare experience
- Understanding of MN environment and key stakeholders
- Master degree in related discipline
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Primary Location: United States-Minnesota-Eagan
Shift: Day Job
Description
Summary:
The Vice President Communications is responsible for designing and executing a strategic communication and external relations strategy to position Blue Cross as Minnesota’s health care leader with key stakeholders including members, employees, community, regulators and media. The Vice President will align and implement key messages, platforms, our mission and external relations strategy across the organization. The VP will need to work in strong partnership with Government Affairs, Foundation, Center for Prevention and Sales/Marketing. This position will have direct reporting responsibility for external public relations and internal corporate communication and community relations.
Accountabilities:
1. Create and execute external relations and communication strategy to support strategic priorities and mission, enhance Blue Cross’ organizational reputation and strengthen Blue Cross’ position as a thought leader.
2. Provide strong matrix leadership to implement the external relations strategy and ensure alignment of key messages and initiatives across Blue Cross Blue Shield and its affiliates.
3. Develop strong partnerships with internal stakeholders such as Government Affairs, internal community relations, Foundation, Center for Prevention, Marketing/Sales and key business operations.
4. In collaboration with appropriate internal business partners, develop strong relationships with external stakeholders such as media, community programs, business leaders, government and industry associations.
5. Provide leadership to manage reputational issues affecting Blue Cross, including a proactive social media strategy.
6. Create plans to utilize CEO and senior leaders in the organization as public spokespersons on behalf of Blue Cross. Direct teams to create speeches and presentations to support leader profiles.
7. Lead the creation and execution of integrated communications plans and campaigns that communicate a cohesive, compelling story to our employees regarding the strategic plan and major transformation initiatives.
8. Build, develop and lead a diverse high performing team through recruiting, developing and retaining talent, as well as building a solid rapport with the existing senior leadership team.
The job description in not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all functions of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.
- Work is performed in an office setting
- In-state and out-of-state travel occasionally required
- Required travel between Eagan campus building locations
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Ten years of experience in public relations, employee communications and general communication, including experience leading a comprehensive strategic communications and media relations program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
- Demonstrated ability to lead in a matrix organization and to manage in a highly changing and transforming environment.
- Experience working as a senior communications counselor for senior leaders on both proactive topics as well as issue management.
- Leader, collaborator and implementer who thrives in mission driven environment.
- Sound business acumen and understanding of healthcare, political and media environment.
- Strong leadership ability, proven skills in diplomacy, and the ability to pursue goals with tenacity. The preferred candidate will be an expert strategist with the capacity to understand, develop, and lead strategic and operational plans. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop collaborative and high-level relationships with key stakeholders.
- The position requires executive presence and expertise necessary to be viewed with confidence by senior leadership, the board, and external stakeholders. Along with the highest ethical standards the incumbent must share the organization’s commitment to its key values under which it operates.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior Healthcare experience
- Understanding of MN environment and key stakeholders
- Master degree in related discipline
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Primary Location: United States-Minnesota-Eagan
Shift: Day Job