Regional Communications Manager II (Albany/Capital Region)

Excellus BCBS • Albany, NY

4d • $87,766 - $157,978

About The Position

Responsible for implementing communications and public relations programs in the assigned region to protect and enhance the corporation’s image with multiple audiences, while also providing communications support to other areas of the Corporation. The position supports media relations, corporate communications, regional leadership, internal communications, and incident response. Level II carries the additional responsibility of serving as the primary regional media contact and corporate spokesperson, advising regional leadership on communications strategy, leading regional internal communications, and serving as Public Information Officer on the local incident management team.

The employer is exclusively seeking candidates who reside in the Albany/Capital Region. Travel across the Health Plan service region for meetings or trainings may be needed. The position requires prolonged periods sitting and/or standing at a workstation and working on a computer. Salary range: $87,766–$157,978; actual compensation depends on factors including budget, experience, knowledge, skills, education, and internal equity. The total rewards package may include group health and/or dental insurance, a retirement plan, a wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays. Remote work may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• Ten or more years of experience in communications news writing and editing, and/or public relations.
• Bachelor’s-level education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related discipline; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Familiarity with the assigned region and its media markets.
• Ability to work independently and plan and implement multiple communications programs concurrently.
• Demonstrated creative and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of management, other Plans, and outside professionals.
• Ability to work prolonged periods sitting and/or standing at a workstation and working on a computer.
• Ability to travel across the Health Plan service region for meetings and/or trainings as needed.
• Must reside in the Albany/Capital Region.

Nice To Haves

• Background in the health care industry is preferred.
• Community outreach/programming experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong media relationships and proactively work with reporters, editors, and community leaders to improve corporate image.
• Serve as the primary media contact and corporate spokesperson within the region.
• Advise the regional plan president and other senior regional staff on communications strategy and media considerations.
• Direct departments producing external communications and review or edit materials for clarity, tone, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate news coverage, keep management informed of current issues, and initiate responses when appropriate.
• Prepare talking points for Customer Service, Marketing, Provider Relations, and other departments responding to news stories or issues affecting the Corporation and its customers.
• Lead internal communications programs and materials primarily affecting employees in the region.
• Organize and manage a corporate employee news-gathering network and identify potential stories for employee and external dissemination.
• Serve as Public Information Officer on the local incident management team when the Corporate Disaster Response and Recovery Plan is implemented.
• Support research, writing, and production of reports, presentations, testimony, and other communications materials for senior management.
• Support the Corporation’s mission and values, adhere to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and uphold Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
• Maintain regard for member privacy in accordance with corporate privacy policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other functions as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Group health insurance may be available as part of the total rewards package.
• Dental insurance may be available as part of the total rewards package.
• Retirement plan may be available as part of the total rewards package.
• Wellness program may be available as part of the total rewards package.
• Paid time away from work may be available as part of the total rewards package.
• Paid holidays may be available as part of the total rewards package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior