Dir Public Relations and External Affairs

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska•Omaha, NE

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, this mission-driven position develops and manages external communications and public relations strategy to strengthen brand reputation, increase visibility, and ensure consistent messaging across key audiences. The role is the primary point of contact for media relationships and partners with organizational leadership, Brand, Government Affairs, the Foundation, and external agency partners to develop and coordinate an annual public relations plan aligned with organizational priorities. The position oversees media relations, press releases, public relations calendars, and external messaging. It ensures communication strategies support legislative initiatives, community engagement, and Foundation objectives, while supporting BCBSNE’s broader brand strategy without directly owning brand campaign development or execution. The role allows remote flexibility but requires 2–3 days per week in the office. Candidates must live within driving distance of the Omaha, Nebraska metro.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field is required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
At least six years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, external communications, media relations, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing public relations strategies, managing media relationships, and coordinating external communications initiatives.
Experience partnering with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external communications or public relations agencies.
Ability to meet or exceed attendance and timeliness requirements.
Ability to work well in a team environment and build and maintain positive relationships with staff, departments, and customers.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting government affairs, legislative communications, community relations, or nonprofit/Foundation initiatives.
Established relationships with media representatives and/or state governmental stakeholders.
Comprehensive knowledge of public relations principles, media relations, strategic communications, and reputation management.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing press releases, media statements, and executive-level messaging.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with media representatives, organizational leaders, external agencies, and community stakeholders.
Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple communications initiatives and competing priorities.
Sound judgment and discretion when managing sensitive information, media inquiries, and reputational issues.
Ability to translate complex organizational, legislative, and industry topics into clear, compelling communications for external audiences.
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and drive alignment across departments without direct reporting authority.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and coordination of public relations strategy and calendar with leadership, Brand, and external agency partners.
Serve as the primary owner of media relationships, cultivating and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other external stakeholders.
Oversee the development, review, approval coordination, and distribution of press releases, media statements, announcements, and other external communications.
Identify proactive media opportunities and develop messaging strategies to strengthen organizational reputation, visibility, and public trust.
Lead and manage crisis communications, including response planning, executive counsel, stakeholder coordination, and timely, consistent messaging.
Partner with the Brand team and external agency to ensure public relations initiatives complement and reinforce broader brand campaigns and strategic messaging.
Collaborate with Government Affairs and legislative leadership to align external communications with legislative priorities, public policy initiatives, and regulatory developments.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with state government stakeholders and support effective engagement, information sharing, and alignment on organizational and public policy priorities.
Support the Foundation by developing and coordinating communications that promote its mission, initiatives, community partnerships, and organizational impact.
Work with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure external messaging is consistent, timely, accurate, and aligned with business objectives.
Coordinate media inquiries, interviews, media opportunities, and responses with appropriate internal stakeholders.
Develop proactive and responsive media strategies to communicate organizational priorities, achievements, and community contributions.
Monitor media coverage, emerging issues, public sentiment, and industry developments to identify communication opportunities and reputational risks.
Coordinate communications related to sensitive or high-profile issues, ensuring appropriate stakeholder involvement and consistent organizational messaging.
Manage the public relations calendar, including media releases, organizational announcements, Foundation initiatives, legislative communications, and other external engagement opportunities.
Coordinate public relations deliverables, timelines, messaging, and execution with external agency partners.
Evaluate public relations initiatives through media coverage, audience engagement, message reach, and other relevant performance measures.
Recommend improvements to external communications processes, messaging, and strategies based on organizational priorities and communication outcomes.
Meet or exceed departmental attendance and timeliness requirements and work effectively in a team environment while maintaining positive relationships with staff, departments, and customers.
Perform essential duties satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.