Plan Communications Senior Specialist

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association•Chicago, IL

1d•$92,788 - $122,529•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is the lead writer and content driver for the BCBS System communications vehicles and newsletters. The role runs production and drives efficiency through integration with company wide content contributors. Coordinates with subject matter experts across the Association to identify content leads and trends, supports campaign strategy to bring to life BCBSA and System health care industry leadership within BCBSA newsletters. Uses data to implement process and continuously improve engagement. The position is also responsible for sourcing content, integrating Smart Brevity and leveraging newsletter technologies into both internal and Plan-facing newsletters and messages. Serves as the lead writer for the daily Plan Communications newsletter, writing 40% of annual content and runs daily editorial and production process. Performs ongoing surveillance of external environment including newsletters, blogs, online resources and more for implications to health care industry and BCBS system ensuring timely, quality content is included in publications. Manages production cycle, including coordinating the multi step daily review process to achieve deadlines and adhere to BCBSA, AP styles and quality control procedures. Distributes daily Newsletter five days per week, featuring original content. Supports Plan Communications workgroups and leadership forums through agenda development, meeting coordination, materials preparation and follow-up documentation. Contributes to effective collaboration and alignment across the System. Leverages readership metrics, feedback, engagement data and emerging AI tools to assess communication accuracy and effectiveness. Presents insights to key stakeholders. Performs regular target audience analysis. Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and implements enhancements to increase reach, relevance and engagement. Coaches team members and content contributors across BCBSA to teach Smart Brevity and incorporate diverse content on key topics related to the BCBS System North Star. Supports creation of additional executive / leadership newsletters, incorporating Smart Brevity and BCBSA style as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
5+ Years communications experience in a corporate/matrixed environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to translate key messages into appropriate communications
Ability to articulate digital strategy and tactics at all levels
Ability to translate complex data analytics into easy-to-understand concepts
Problem solving and interpersonal skills
Prioritization skills; ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
Ability to provide strategic leadership and direction to team members, as well as internal and external stakeholders, to achieve results
Ability to define key messages and deploy through myriad channels
A strategic mindset and approach with a track record of turning ideas into successful actions and activations
Executive presence with the ability to build positive coalitions between sometimes disparate parties
Minimum of 5 years of communications experience in a corporate/matrixed environment
Experience with integrated communications planning and implementation
Experience using multiple communications channels (print and email communication, presentations, multimedia) to disseminate messaging and information
Healthcare industry experience with a deep understanding of the forces shaping the industry

Responsibilities

Lead writer and content driver for BCBS System communications vehicles and newsletters.
Run production and drive efficiency through integration with company-wide content contributors.
Coordinate with subject matter experts to identify content leads and trends.
Support campaign strategy to bring to life BCBSA and System healthcare industry leadership.
Source content, integrate Smart Brevity, and leverage newsletter technologies.
Serve as lead writer for the daily Plan Communications newsletter, writing 40% of annual content.
Run daily editorial and production process for the Plan Communications newsletter.
Perform ongoing surveillance of the external environment for implications to the healthcare industry and BCBS system.
Manage production cycle, including coordinating multi-step daily review process.
Distribute daily Newsletter five days per week, featuring original content.
Support Plan Communications workgroups and leadership forums.
Leverage readership metrics, feedback, engagement data, and emerging AI tools to assess communication accuracy and effectiveness.
Present insights to key stakeholders.
Perform regular target audience analysis.
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement enhancements.
Coach team members and content contributors to teach Smart Brevity and incorporate diverse content.
Support creation of additional executive/leadership newsletters.