Director, Corporate Reputation and Thought Leadership

Looking for a chance to do meaningful work that touches millions? Come join the hardest working, nonprofit health plan in California and help us shape the future of health care. Blue Shield of California's Mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high‑quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield is focused on improving health care delivery by working closely with providers and making it more accessible, affordable and customer‑centric. Being a mission‑driven organization means we do much more than serve our 4 million members: we were the first health plan in the nation to limit our annual net income to 2 percent of revenue and return the difference to our customers and the community, and since 2005 we have contributed more than $325 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to improve community health and end domestic violence. We also believe that a healthier California begins with our employees, so we provide them with resources to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle through our award‑winning wellness program, Wellvolution. We're hiring smart thinkers and doers who want to work for a leader and innovator in the challenging, ever‑changing healthcare space. Come and help us make health care better for everyone. Description Blue Shield of California seeks a seasoned senior communications professional to lead the organization's corporate reputation and thought leadership practice. This new position will design and execute strategies to enhance the Blue Shield of California reputation with external constituents. Based in San Francisco, CA, the Director, Corporate Reputation and Thought Leadership will manage a small team of professionals and will report to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs, who reports directly to the CEO. S/he will work as part of the leadership team to create and execute cutting‑edge communication and engagement strategies that meaningfully and measurably improve external perception of BSC among key constituents, helping to position the company as a leader on health reform, achieve business goals and advance the organization's mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all Californians. The Director, Corporate Reputation and Thought Leadership will play a major role in developing content, campaigns and executive visibility opportunities that position the company at the regional, state and national level as a credible health care leader with key external constituents. They will manage relationships with external stakeholders to position Blue Shield of California as a health reform leader and partner closely with Government Relations to create the right conditions to achieve our mission. This leader will also build a high performing team that is recognized as proactive communication partners to business leaders. S/he will partner closely with other members of the External Affairs leadership team as well as peers in Internal Communications and Marketing to align reputation and brand efforts. Experience Bachelors degree and minimum of ten years experience in progressively more responsible roles in corporate communications, with a considerable portion directly engaged in the development of strategic communications involving strong reputation positioning and a substantial impact on public policy. At least five years of supervisory experience of a team no less than three professional FTEs, with proven success at not only leading execution successfully, but mentoring communications professionals, as well. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic message platforms that engage stakeholders and inspire action. An understanding of the public policy and regulatory environment governing managed‑care companies both nationally and in California is strongly preferred. Experience in providing effective advice, counsel and coaching on communications issues to executives, managers and colleagues. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to relate sophisticated information and concepts in plain English. Experience managing an organization's reputation and messaging in digital media, including online news sites, blogs and social media. Proven ability to manage numerous issues and projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility work environment, and a track record of delegating effectively to team members. Success in a highly collaborative, team‑oriented business environment; where results are dependent on the ability to balance a strong bias for action with the need for cross‑functional integration. Responsibilities Leading and developing a team of strategic communication advisors to support key business leaders. Developing, executing and measuring the effectiveness of a comprehensive reputation management strategy for the company. Developing and executing executive visibility and positioning strategies to position Blue Shield of California leaders as experts and trusted advisers to key stakeholders. Developing compelling message platforms and campaigns that position Blue Shield of California to help drive health care reform and achieve our mission. Cultivating strong relationships with key influencers and opinion leaders in the healthcare industry. Closely monitoring and anticipating stakeholder sentiments, as well as forging authentic bonds based on points of mutual interest. Maintaining a deep and broad knowledge of current issues in healthcare. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Shield of California