Regional Communications Manager II (Albany/Capital Region)

Responsibilities

• Supports media relationships in the region, assisting the Director by proactively working with reporters, editors, and other community leaders to improve corporate image. Serves as backup media contact and corporate spokesperson within the region.
• Supports the communications strategy and media considerations for the regional plan president (Western and Central NY) and other senior regional staff.
• Provides direction to departments producing communications materials for external distribution and reviews/edits materials for clarity, tone, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitors and evaluates news articles to keep management informed of current issues and initiates responses when appropriate. Prepares talking points for Customer Service, Marketing, Provider Relations, and other departments for use in response to questions concerning news stories or issues that may affect the Corporation and its customers.
• Supports internal communications programs and materials that primarily impact employees of the specific region. Organizes and manages a corporate news gathering network of employees within the corporation and identifies potential news stories for both employee and external dissemination.
• Serves as backup Public Information Officer on the local incident management team in the event of an incident that requires the implementation of the Corporate Disaster Response and Recovery Plan.
• Provides support to the Director in the research, writing, and production of reports, presentations, testimony, and other communications materials required by senior management.
• Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies’ mission and values, adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and leading to the Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
• Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.

Requirements

• Eight or more years of experience in communications news writing and editing, and/or public relations.
• Bachelor's level education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science or related discipline. A combination of education plus experience will be considered.
• Background in health care industry is a plus.
• Familiarity with the assigned region and its media markets.
• Ability to work independently and be able to plan and implement multiple communications programs concurrently.
• Demonstrated creative and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to interact with all levels of management, other Plans, and outside professionals.
• Ten or more years of experience in communications news writing and editing, and/or public relations.
• Background in health care industry preferred.
• Community outreach/programming experience preferred.
• Ability to travel across the Health Plan service region for meetings and/or trainings as needed.

Preferred

• Background in health care industry preferred.
• Community outreach/programming experience preferred.

Benefits

• Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.