Lead, External Communications

Responsibilities

• - Manage communications projects and readiness processes for complex enterprise matters, delivering against defined goals, timelines and stakeholder needs.
• - Develop concise, audience-appropriate messaging and materials across external and internal channels, including statements, talking points, executive briefings, Q&A and stakeholder communications.
• - Assess business, policy, workforce and reputational considerations; connect relevant themes and recommend practical communications approaches.
• - Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Legal, Government Affairs, People Services, operations and other teams to align priorities and drive coordinated execution.
• - Create project plans, establish next steps and consistently communicate progress, risks, decisions and results to stakeholders.
• - Anticipate questions, emerging risks and potential roadblocks; develop scenarios, response materials and escalation plans and recommend solutions when issues arise.
• - Monitor the external environment and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information into concise insights, implications and recommended actions.
• - Own and continuously improve playbooks, trackers, message libraries, stakeholder maps and other readiness resources; identify opportunities to improve processes at scale.
• - Prioritize work across competing needs, track timelines and resources and address gaps or deviations to keep projects moving.
• - Prepare clear, well-reasoned recommendations for leaders and partners in fast-moving situations, considering implications beyond the immediate project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, media relations, corporate affairs or a related field, with a proven track record managing sensitive or high-visibility work.
• Proven media relations experience, including reporter engagement, interview preparation and spokesperson training.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and tailor materials for different audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage timelines and dependencies, coordinate contributors and communicate progress and results.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships, collaborate and negotiate across functions and work through differing perspectives toward common goals.
• Sound judgment and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate multiple inputs, identify implications and make well-reasoned recommendations.
• Initiative and a continuous-improvement mindset, including experience improving tools, processes or ways of working.
• High accountability, resilience and attention to detail; able to work independently, navigate ambiguity and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

Benefits

• - Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
• - Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
• - Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.