Public Relations & Media Manager

Centene Corporation•St. David's, MO

3d•$87,700 - $157,800•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for advancing Centene’s reputation and strategic interests for the Wellcare and Medicare businesses, including the PDP portfolio, through expert media relations, reputation management, and government relations initiatives. Manages multiple priorities with minimal oversight while influencing key stakeholders internally and externally to drive clear, consistent positioning in a highly regulated environment. Builds and maintains strong relationships with key national and trade media outlets to elevate Centene’s visibility and support its corporate and subsidiary objectives. Develops and executes integrated media and public relations strategies that align with Centene’s business priorities, policy goals, and advocacy efforts. Provides strategic counsel and guidance to subsidiaries, senior executives, and cross-functional teams on media relations, proactive public relations, and issues management. Leads efforts to monitor and analyze media coverage, legislative and regulatory developments, industry trends, and competitive activities; develops and implements responsive communication and advocacy strategies. Acts as a key liaison with trade associations, agencies, and external stakeholders to advance Centene’s policy priorities and maintain positive working relationships. Supports government relations initiatives by crafting clear, compelling messaging and communications for legislative advocacy, public policy announcements, and stakeholder engagement. Coordinates and facilitates media interviews and speaking opportunities for executives, ensuring consistent messaging and preparedness. Manages the Public Relations approval process, in support of government relations initiatives, between subsidiaries and corporate senior management, ensuring alignment, compliance, and timely execution. Monitors multiple projects concurrently, maintaining quality and meeting deadlines with a strong sense of ownership and initiative. Collaborates closely with Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Policy teams to ensure unified messaging and effective risk mitigation, especially during crisis situations. Demonstrates executive presence by confidently engaging with senior leaders, policymakers, and external partners, representing Centene with professionalism and authority. Drives continuous improvement of communication processes, fostering innovation and efficiency in media and government relations activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or related field required
7+ years experience of media relations, public relations, and government relations, preferably in healthcare, government, or regulated industries required
Proven track record of managing complex communication strategies and government affairs initiatives preferred
Experience working independently with minimal supervision and exercising strong judgment in high-stakes environments preferred
Demonstrated executive presence and ability to effectively influence senior leadership and external stakeholders preferred

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Advancing Centene’s reputation and strategic interests for the Wellcare and Medicare businesses, including the PDP portfolio, through expert media relations, reputation management, and government relations initiatives.
Managing multiple priorities with minimal oversight while influencing key stakeholders internally and externally to drive clear, consistent positioning in a highly regulated environment.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key national and trade media outlets to elevate Centene’s visibility and support its corporate and subsidiary objectives.
Developing and executing integrated media and public relations strategies that align with Centene’s business priorities, policy goals, and advocacy efforts.
Providing strategic counsel and guidance to subsidiaries, senior executives, and cross-functional teams on media relations, proactive public relations, and issues management.
Leading efforts to monitor and analyze media coverage, legislative and regulatory developments, industry trends, and competitive activities; developing and implementing responsive communication and advocacy strategies.
Acting as a key liaison with trade associations, agencies, and external stakeholders to advance Centene’s policy priorities and maintain positive working relationships.
Supporting government relations initiatives by crafting clear, compelling messaging and communications for legislative advocacy, public policy announcements, and stakeholder engagement.
Coordinating and facilitating media interviews and speaking opportunities for executives, ensuring consistent messaging and preparedness.
Managing the Public Relations approval process, in support of government relations initiatives, between subsidiaries and corporate senior management, ensuring alignment, compliance, and timely execution.
Monitoring multiple projects concurrently, maintaining quality and meeting deadlines with a strong sense of ownership and initiative.
Collaborating closely with Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Policy teams to ensure unified messaging and effective risk mitigation, especially during crisis situations.
Demonstrating executive presence by confidently engaging with senior leaders, policymakers, and external partners, representing Centene with professionalism and authority.
Driving continuous improvement of communication processes, fostering innovation and efficiency in media and government relations activities.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Complying with all policies and standards.