Communications Intern

Optum is seeking a communications intern to join our Corporate Reputation Team. Here on the communications team – we enhance company reputation with key audiences including investors, policy-makers, consumers, patients and employees. You will learn to develop dynamic content and bring stories to life across a wide variety of channels while navigating the complexities of being part of a Fortune 5 company.

This role is a strategic contributor, where you will support communications efforts across all three lines of business: Optum Insight, Optum Rx, Optum Financial and Optum Health. The Corporate Reputation Team supports all lines business, so you will have the opportunity to broaden the scope of your learning experience and understand how each business communicates to their respective audiences.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need have a Solid desire to learn, be a collaborative partner, and move at quick pace. You will support many different communications initiatives that span across multiple different digital channels (corporate website, social media, employee intranet & app, etc.).

A foundational understanding of writing, editing, social media and project management is a must.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Write content for multiple channels, including LinkedIn, our internal news site and event submissions for executives 
• Support social media team with writing posts, consulting on graphics, managing approvals and publishing 
• Develop, support and execute on editorial calendars and content strategy for key executives 
• Bring forward creative ideas of how and where we can position Optum and key executives in the marketplace (op-eds, events, etc.) 
• Help shape thought leadership content and strategy for key executives to support our executive visibility program 
• Assist with developing op-eds/articles targeting the Optum strategic priorities for placement by subject matter experts and executive leaders 
• Collaborate with B2B and B2C marketing partners on ideas and content, including assisting with identifying Optum news stories for newsletters, proofing white papers, and leveraging marketing deliverables across various Optum platforms 
• Keep up to date with the latest health care news, social media trends, and brand storytelling trends to provide innovative ideas to challenge the status quo and push the creative envelope. 
• Research, analyze, and share best-in-class practices across the competitive landscape 
• Collaborate with colleagues across Optum, UHC and UHG on content, planning, learning and sharing 
• Attend virtual weekly editorial meetings, weekly team meetings and in-person monthly all-communications team meetings 
• Opportunity to attend a local health care event if an Optum executive is speaking to understand what onsite communications support looks like 
• Comfortable supporting multiple projects while effectively managing timelines and expectations, communicating progress, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college / university. Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college / university during the duration of the internship. Internships are not intended for graduating seniors.
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA 
• 1+ years of experience in writing, social media or content strategy 
• Solid writing skills, and ability to draft short-form content for social platforms (including copy for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) 
• Solid familiarity with social media platforms in a professional perspective (LinkedIn, Instagram) 
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and independent thinker; willing to collaborate with a multi-disciplined team to achieve goals 
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment-based work authorization (F-1 students with practical training and candidates requiring H-1Bs, TNs, etc. will not be considered)

Soft Skills:

• Solid verbal/written communication, including an ability to effectively communicate with both business and technical teams 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines 
• Ability to think analytically and problem solve when needed 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a cross functional team 
• Curious, collaborative team player with a well-developed sense of humor 
• Solid personal project management skills and ability to prioritize, make progress on multiple concurrent projects and share progress with your team 
• Excellent communication and team skills – verbal and written 
• Detail oriented