External Communications Manager I

Overview Modivcare seeks a Communications professional to manage the external communications function, overseeing media relations, press materials, social media, and evergreen PR content for the corporate brand. The role reports to the Director of Corporate Communications and serves as the primary contact for media inquiries, building relationships with healthcare and business journalists, and executing earned media activities from proactive pitching to coverage tracking. Responsibilities Manage the external communications function, including media relations, press materials, social media, and evergreen PR content for the corporate brand. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and proactively build and maintain relationships with healthcare and business journalists. Execute the full lifecycle of earned media activity: proactive pitching and press release drafting to reactive response and coverage tracking. Partner cross‑functionally to ensure consistency between external messaging and employee‑facing communications, collaborating with marketing communications, government, and public affairs on relevant external channel content. Manage the media relations program, proactively pitch stories, commentary, and executive perspectives to healthcare, business, and trade press. Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and reporters covering healthcare services and Medicaid managed care. Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media statements, op‑eds, and letters to the editor, ensuring accuracy, message alignment, and adherence to brand voice and legal review. Own the corporate library of evergreen PR content—executive biographies, corporate fact sheets, boilerplate language, and approved talking points—and maintain currency and consistency across all external materials. Create the corporate social media strategy and develop a content calendar that reflects the company's external communications priorities, brand standards, and audience engagement goals. Develop strategy and supporting materials for tradeshows. Monitor social media channels and the broader media landscape for coverage, sentiment, and emerging narratives, escalating issues through appropriate channels. Coordinate the development of speaking‑opportunity materials, including speaker abstracts, presentation support content, and award submissions. Partner with internal communications to align external messaging with employee communications, especially during significant announcements, organizational changes, or reputational events. Collaborate with marketing communications on external channel content that intersects with the corporate website. Collaborate with government and public affairs on external channel content that intersects with key policy priorities and milestones. Measure and report earned media performance, social media engagement, and external channel effectiveness. Support crisis and incident response communications by preparing draft external statements, monitoring media activity, and coordinating timely distribution of approved materials. Lead projects and perform other duties as assigned; occasional business travel may be required. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Seven (7) plus years of experience in media relations, public relations, or external communications. Experience in a healthcare, healthcare services, or Medicaid managed care environment is preferred. Proven track record of securing earned media coverage and managing journalist relationships in a corporate or agency environment. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and compelling press materials, statements, and social content across a range of formats and audiences. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams with strong attention to detail and consistent follow‑through. Strong understanding of the earned media landscape, especially healthcare and business press, and how to position corporate narratives effectively. Familiarity with social media management practices for corporate channels—content planning, publishing, community monitoring, and performance measurement. Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with external stakeholders, including journalists, agency partners, and industry contacts. Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, regulated environment. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information, crisis‑related content, and executive communications. Working knowledge of the healthcare services industry, including regulatory and reputational dynamics of Medicaid‑funded programs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with content management systems, social media management platforms, and media monitoring tools. Ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organization and collaborate effectively across functions—legal, investor relations, human resources, and business unit communications teams. Salary $80,400 - $108,600. The position is bonus eligible based on company and individual performance. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Benefits Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance Employer‑Paid Basic Life Insurance and AD&D Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child) Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (Pre‑Tax and Post‑Tax) Commuter and Parking Benefits 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match Paid Time Off Paid Parental Leave Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Tuition Reimbursement Employee Discounts (retail, hotel, food, restaurants, car rental, and more) Equal Opportunity Employer Modivcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO is the law. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam‑era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr ModivCare Solutions, LLC