Director Public Relations and External Affairs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska•Omaha, NE

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, this mission-driven organization focuses on the health and well-being of its members and communities. The Director Public Relations and External Affairs develops and manages external communications and public relations strategy to strengthen brand reputation, increase visibility, and maintain consistent messaging across key audiences. The position 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 role oversees media relations, press releases, public relations calendars, and external messaging. It supports legislative initiatives, community engagement, and Foundation objectives, while contributing to the broader brand strategy without directly owning brand campaign development or execution. The position 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, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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 work well in a team environment and build and maintain positive relationships with staff, departments, and customers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing press releases, media statements, and executive-level messaging.
Comprehensive knowledge of public relations principles, media relations, strategic communications, and reputation management.
Strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills, including coordinating multiple 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 communications for external audiences.
Ability to influence outcomes and drive alignment across departments without direct reporting authority.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available as described in the posting.
Must live within driving distance of the Omaha, Nebraska metro.
Must be able to work in the office 2–3 days per week.

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.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with media representatives, organizational leaders, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate public relations strategy and calendars with leadership, the Brand team, and external agency partners.
Own and cultivate media 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 reputation, visibility, and public trust.
Lead crisis communications, including response planning, executive counsel, stakeholder coordination, and timely, consistent messaging.
Ensure public relations initiatives complement broader brand campaigns and strategic messaging in partnership with the Brand team and external agency.
Align external communications with legislative priorities, public policy initiatives, and regulatory developments in collaboration with Government Affairs and legislative leadership.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with state government stakeholders and support communications for effective engagement and information sharing.
Develop and coordinate Foundation communications that promote its mission, initiatives, community partnerships, and 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, 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 opportunities and reputational risks.
Coordinate communications on sensitive or high-profile issues, ensuring appropriate stakeholder involvement and consistent organizational messaging.
Manage the public relations calendar, including releases, 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 effectiveness using media coverage, audience engagement, message reach, and other relevant measures.
Recommend improvements to external communications processes, messaging, and strategies based on priorities and outcomes.
Meet or exceed department attendance and timeliness requirements and work effectively with teams and stakeholders.