Director, Public Relations

Today's healthcare industry -- dynamic and changing at a fast pace. Recruiting talented people can mean the difference between success or failure. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, our record of achievement represents a history of hiring the best people we can find, and then challenging them to excel. It's the kind of environment that enables us to give our best to the consumers we serve, and at the same time, work to the potential of those who work for us. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity Employment/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. Strategically direct an active public relations team that seeks to pro-actively anticipate and influence external coverage of BCBSMA in both the traditional and new media. Produce dynamic media management and strong, influential story placement. The Director ensures that BCBSMA's messages are delivered in a clear and effective way utilizing multiple media channels and by developing strong relationships with reporters, editors, columnists, and bloggers. Ensure the Public Relations Team is focused on assisting key constituencies, as well as the community-at-large, better understand BCBSMA's business, its important role in the community, and its efforts to improve the quality and affordability of health care in Massachusetts. Manage BCBSMA's public relations team Help develop and execute public relations strategy and tactics Serve as the primary BCBSMA contact/liaison with reporters, editors, columnists and bloggers Serve as primary corporate spokesperson Analyze, assess, and if appropriate, respond to each media inquiry Lead rapid response/crisis communications team Write and review news releases on corporate initiatives, products, and events Help develop core messages with Senior Director of PR, VP of Corporate Communications and senior executives Prepare and coach executives and other associates for media interviews Influence coverage by developing and maintaining strong relationships with those who cover BCBSMA as well as the health care and insurance industries for local, regional and national media outlets Develop, collaborate, and in some cases, lead cross-constituent communication plans on initiatives/issues that may result in media coverage. These plans will provide company communicators with the background, communication objectives, risks, messages, tactics and timing for a specific communication issue. Help build awareness and support in the traditional and new media for BCBSMA's efforts to improve the quality and affordability of health care Anticipate and address potential public relations issues before they become a problem or crisis Serve as primary editor for Public Relations' content on bluecrossma.com and the Public Relations website on the corporate intranet Candidate must demonstrate superior writing and critical thinking skills Candidate must demonstrate superior organizational skills Candidate must have at least 5-10 years experience in communications and management experience Previous work experience in health care is helpful Familiarity with New Media (e.g. blogs) is a plus Bachelor's degree or equivalent required. Position Information Location:  Boston, MA 02215 Job Category:  Medical/Health Reference Code:  bcbs-00001605 Our commitment to building a diverse workplace is without question. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.