Vice President, Media & Public Relations

Centene Corporation

1d

About The Position

Centene is transforming the health of our communities one person at a time. As an Executive on our team, you could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members. Position Purpose: Leads the development and execution of media strategies and public relations programs that advance Centene's mission, vision, goals, and progress. Serves as a senior leader responsible for shaping local, regional, and national media engagement, strengthening Centene's reputation with external audiences including the media, general public, government, and healthcare communities. Partners closely with executive leadership to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging and proactive media positioning. Leads the development and execution of media relations and public relations strategies that support organizational priorities and elevate Centene’s brand and reputation. Serves as a senior spokesperson and represent Centene at media engagements, public forums, and industry events as appropriate. Partners with executive leadership to develop strategic messaging, media plans, and responses aligned to business objectives and reputational considerations. Oversees the development of target media lists, story proposals, and the coordination of media interviews and speaking opportunities for senior leaders. Builds, manages, and deepens relationships with key national, regional, and trade media, industry influencers, and external stakeholders. Monitors, analyzes, and interpret industry, competitive, and issue-driven media coverage; recommend proactive and responsive action plans. Ensures timely, accurate distribution and reporting of media coverage across relevant business areas and subsidiaries. Collaborates closely with Communications Leadership and cross-functional partners to execute high-quality media programs from strategy through placement. Provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to media and public relations team members, fostering strong performance and professional growth. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field, or equivalent experience required.
• 9+ years of media relations / public relations experience required.
• Experience pitching issues and stories to top-tier and trade media outlets.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience working in a managed care, insurance, or healthcare environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of media strategies and public relations programs that advance Centene's mission, vision, goals, and progress.
• Serves as a senior leader responsible for shaping local, regional, and national media engagement, strengthening Centene's reputation with external audiences including the media, general public, government, and healthcare communities.
• Partners closely with executive leadership to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging and proactive media positioning.
• Leads the development and execution of media relations and public relations strategies that support organizational priorities and elevate Centene’s brand and reputation.
• Serves as a senior spokesperson and represent Centene at media engagements, public forums, and industry events as appropriate.
• Partners with executive leadership to develop strategic messaging, media plans, and responses aligned to business objectives and reputational considerations.
• Oversees the development of target media lists, story proposals, and the coordination of media interviews and speaking opportunities for senior leaders.
• Builds, manages, and deepens relationships with key national, regional, and trade media, industry influencers, and external stakeholders.
• Monitors, analyzes, and interpret industry, competitive, and issue-driven media coverage; recommend proactive and responsive action plans.
• Ensures timely, accurate distribution and reporting of media coverage across relevant business areas and subsidiaries.
• Collaborates closely with Communications Leadership and cross-functional partners to execute high-quality media programs from strategy through placement.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to media and public relations team members, fostering strong performance and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Benefits

• competitive pay
• health insurance
• 401K and stock purchase plans
• tuition reimbursement
• paid time off plus holidays
• a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules

What This Job Offers

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