Director, Integrated Communications

athenahealth

3d • Remote

About The Position

Join us as we work to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all. athenahealth is looking for a senior communications leader to serve as the dedicated Integrated Communications Business Partner (ICBP) for the Chief Product & Operations Officer and the Product & Operations organization. In this role, you will develop and execute an integrated communications plan that spans external, executive, and internal audiences — translating complex product and operational topics into credible, compelling narratives that build trust, strengthen athenahealth’s market reputation, and support business goals. You will drive proactive PR storytelling and media-ready angles in close partnership with the earned media team, develop the executive’s external visibility through thought leadership and speaker programming, and ensure tight cross-functional alignment across Integrated Communications and Marketing. This role operates with high independence and requires the judgment to prioritize effectively, maintain message discipline, and deliver quality at pace. This position is Remote (U.S.-based), requires up to 20% travel, and reports to the Executive Director, Integrated Communications. About the Team The Integrated Communications team builds and protects the reputation of athenahealth and its leaders by delivering strategic communications that support business goals and span internal, external, and executive channels. The team operates through a business partner model — ICBPs are embedded with C-suite executives across Product, Commercial, Finance, People, Technology, and Strategy to align narrative, timing, and channel strategy so audiences receive accurate, consistent, and actionable information. This team works in close coordination with Marketing to ensure athenahealth’s voice in the market is differentiated, credible, and aligned to business priorities. The team supports athenahealth’s mission to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in integrated communications, executive communications, corporate communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience in healthcare technology, health IT, or a regulated industry at the intersection of clinical and operational audiences.
• Strong executive writing capability and editorial judgment, with demonstrated experience writing directly for senior leaders across internal and external channels.
• PR experience, including developing story angles, preparing spokespeople and materials, and partnering with media relations or agency teams.
• Experience developing thought leadership content — including bylines, blogs, and LinkedIn — and managing an executive social and editorial cadence.
• Experience with speaker programming and conference strategy, including developing abstracts and session narratives and preparing leaders for speaking opportunities.
• Familiarity with regulated or claims-sensitive communications and cross-functional review processes, including Legal and Compliance.
• Experience building communications plans and running cross-functional programs in a matrixed environment.
• High ownership, strong prioritization skills, and ability to operate independently with minimal oversight.
• Highly competent and front-footed in the use of AI to maximize efficiency and accuracy of work product, especially to support a team who is leading the way in AI utilization across the enterprise.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience partnering with product or engineering organizations in health technology — in-house or agency — with the ability to translate complex product and technical concepts into plain, compelling narratives for multiple audiences.
• Experience managing agency or vendor relationships in support of executive communications or PR programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications partner to the Chief Product & Operations Officer, in collaboration with his Chief of Staff, drafting and delivering high-quality communications across internal and external channels, in alignment with the corporate narrative.
• Build and run an integrated annual communications plan for the Product & Operations organization, spanning internal and external moments, with clear objectives, audience mapping, key messages, channel strategy, content calendar, and measurement.
• Identify and develop media-ready story angles tied to product innovation and operational excellence; develop supporting materials including briefs, messaging, and proof points; and partner with the earned media team to pitch, place, and amplify coverage.
• Develop and execute the Chief Product & Operations Officer’s external visibility strategy, including LinkedIn editorial calendar, thought leadership content, and speaker programming — partnering with the Speakers Bureau to prepare leaders for opportunities and ensure consistent messaging across events and forums.
• Ensure message accuracy and appropriate substantiation across all Product & Operations communications; coordinate reviews with Legal, Compliance, and other required partners; and maintain reusable messaging, proof points, and FAQs for the organization.
• Proactively connect dots across Integrated Communications and Marketing — including Portfolio Marketing, Brand, Research & Strategic Intelligence, and Events — to keep stakeholders aligned, prevent duplication, and maintain shared context.
• Travel required up to 20% annually.
• Build and maintain a lightweight operating rhythm — including intake, prioritization, editorial review, and stakeholder updates — that enables speed, reduces churn, and minimizes time burden on executives.
• Provide communications counsel to Product & Operations senior leadership, as needed, to support visibility and organizational effectiveness.
• Track performance and insights across executive visibility, narrative traction, and content engagement, and use learnings to continuously refine plans and content strategy.

Benefits

• Along with health and financial benefits, athenistas enjoy perks specific to each location, including commuter support, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and collaborative workspaces — some offices even welcome dogs.
• We also encourage a better work-life balance for athenistas with our flexibility.
• While we know in-office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full-time.
• With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, athenahealth enables employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation.
• In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor events throughout the year, including book clubs, external speakers, and hackathons.
• We provide athenistas with a company culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees