Sr. Director, External and Policy Communications

McKesson•Irving, TX

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve – we care. What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you. The Sr. Director, External & Policy Communications will lead external and policy communications for McKesson. This leadership position will drive our external corporate narrative and lead our corporate external engagement strategy, enterprise media relations, policy communications, and crisis communications in support of key business priorities. The role reports directly to the Vice President, Corporate Communications and is a member of her leadership team. The Corporate Communications team is a part of the Corporate Affairs organization, which includes Corporate Brand and Marketing, Event Planning, Public Policy, and US Government Affairs.

Requirements

A minimum of 13 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 6 years of experience in a leadership role managing and developing a team of communication professionals, preferably within the healthcare industry.
Demonstrated excellence and expertise in external healthcare communications, inclusive of extensive media relations and crisis communications experience.
Proven ability to shape and deliver communications on complex regulatory and policy issues.
Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a focus on developing talent and fostering a collaborative team environment, including AI adoption and upskilling.
Excellent written skills and verbal communication skills and deep experience working in healthcare media.
Proficient in emerging AI-enabled tools to scale and modernize communications.
A strong collaborator who builds bridges and trust with business partners and possesses a demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities, with a proven ability to execute complex communication plans using data and AI-driven insights.
High level of emotional intelligence and adaptability, with outstanding judgement and the ability to navigate and manage change effectively, especially in crisis and high-profile policy situations.
Expertise in continuously evolving and adapting capabilities, infrastructure, and resources to address the evolving external landscape, including policy and regulatory dynamics, and needs of the business with integration of AI and automation.
Proficient in leveraging social and digital communication platforms and tools to enhance engagement for both executive and employee messaging.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and metrics to inform decision-making and translate insights into action.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is required.
Must be authorized to work in the US. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the external and policy communications team and collaborate closely with functions such as marketing, public affairs, legal and others to shape and optimize plans and execution using AI-enabled insights.
Develop and implement a comprehensive external and policy communications strategy powered by our corporate narrative that supports the company's mission, values, and business objectives.
Drive amplification of the corporate narrative across social and digital channels to extend reach and reinforce consistent external messaging.
Oversee key components of the Corporate Communication’s operating infrastructure including artificial intelligence and automation solutions that strengthen our ability to operate as a bionic, best in class Corporate Communications team.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with media, industry associations, and other key external stakeholders.
Lead our media relations strategy and serve as a primary point of contact for the media.
Proactively monitor and address external issues that could impact the organization, including policy and regulatory matters.
Manage crisis communications preparedness and execution.
Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and equip and empower our leaders and communicators with guidance and resources on industry and policy issues and opportunities that impact our business.
Build strong relationships within Corporate Affairs, as well as with other enabling functions such as Investor Relations, Legal and communications groups in other McKesson business units.
Enforce external engagement governance to empower effective communications aligned to business priorities and mitigate risk.
Lead the work to enhance our capabilities to measure, assess and improve communications, using McKesson’s advanced AI-powered communications tools and platforms and other data-driven insights to drive continuous optimization.
Direct and oversees creation of communication materials, ensuring quality and tone, while leveraging AI and automated platforms for drafting, editing, and distribution.