Director of External Communications

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Personalized Healthcare, Nationwide.

Since 1929, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies have provided healthcare coverage to members, allowing them to live free of worry, free of fear. In every ZIP code, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a personalized approach to healthcare based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable healthcare.

We understand and answer to the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide healthcare coverage that opens doors for more than 107 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Nationwide, more than 96 percent of hospitals and 95 percent of doctors and specialists contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield companies — more than any other insurer.

https://www.bcbs.com/

Position Details

Director of External Communications
Job
Full-time
12/17/2020
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Overview:

The Director of External Communications is part big picture strategy, part tactical and supports corporate and brand objectives through the conception, creation, and management of integrated communications initiatives. This role oversees the amplification of messaging through an omnichannel (broadcast, print, digital, social) approach leveraging both social and traditional media channels as well as paid and earned media tactics. Partnering with teams across the communications and creative division this role works with media partners across the PESO model, and creative agencies to develop strategies to bring them to life.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Works within the BCBSA system to understand communications needs and assess briefs by working in tandem with the Newsroom Director on research & planning to inform development of external communications strategy 
  • Pro-actively generating new ideas and opportunities working with the media managers in order to develop an integrated communications strategy overseeing approvals to present to the Executive Director of External Communications and business leads 
  • Day to day management of a team of media managers to oversee the development of media agency scopes, budgets and KPI’s to assesses achievement of program KPIs with Newsroom Director to help inform future external communications strategies 
  • Works with Newsroom Director to develop communications narrative and overall message architecture to meet deadlines and develop efficiencies within the external communications team 
  • Works with creative & media managers to develop content and facilitate approvals

Required Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications-related field 
  • Minimum 8 year’s experience preferredin corporate communications/public relations/journalism with significant experience in a previous agency focused role/experience 
  • A strategic mindset and approach with a track record of turning ideas into successful actions and activations 
  • Demonstrated ability to creatively and proactively advance business and advocacy goals by developing a story/message and placing it in the right outlet at the right time

Preferred Basic Qualifications:

  • Experience working with print, radio, broadcast and online media outlets 
  • Experience integrating traditional media efforts with social/digital media outreach 
  • Experience with issue management and/or crisis communications 
  • Experience managing other team members, leading project teams and working with outside agencies 
  • Effective relationship building skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment

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