Senior Director, Optum Rx Media Relations – Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

 

This position is the senior communications lead for media relations in support of the entire Optum Rx business. The Senior Director, Optum Rx Media Relations, will serve as one of the primary spokespeople for the business and serve as a strategic partner to the VP of Optum Rx Communications. This role will partner with and counsel other leaders on the communications team to understand key audiences and business priorities, then identify and execute on proactive opportunities for media outreach to help reach objectives. Additionally, this leader will both anticipate issues and manage inquiries on unanticipated issues, including sensitive topics, and will work with subject matter experts and leaders from across the business to develop and drive alignment around and deliver our response. The senior director will also maintain close partnerships with internal communications and client communications colleagues to ensure they are informed and prepared when impactful news hits. This role reports to the VP of Optum Rx Communications and serves as a member of the Optum Rx Communications leadership team.

 

Essential qualities for success in this position include demonstrated track record of success and trusted relationships with a range of health care reporters, from top tier to local outlets; sharp storytelling acumen that couples creativity with critical thinking; clear analytical thinking to effectively assess inquiries and develop accurate and informed responses; solid business acumen and ability to come up to speed on issues quickly; a solid leadership presence to credibly interact with and counsel senior leaders; excellent written and verbal communications skills; and ability to collaborate cross-team, cross-function and cross-enterprise.

 

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain intimate understanding of what is happening in the external media environment to identify potential opportunities, spot issues early and effectively counsel others
• Develop a solid and deep understanding of the Optum Rx business and thoroughly assess stakeholder needs to provide sound strategic communications leadership and counsel
• Cultivate and maintain solid working relationships with cross-functional internal partners across Optum Rx and the enterprise (e.g., Legal, Corporate Communications, etc.)
• Drive an always-on proactive agenda with media
• Exhibit excellent judgment, from preparing thoughtful media pitches/responses to interacting with reports to effectively counseling leaders
• Coach others on the team to help them strengthen their storytelling and media relations skills
• Integrate media plans into broader cross-channel communications plans to ensure our stories are working hard for us with multiple audiences
• Measure performance and effectiveness of media outreach, aligned with our ORx measurement framework and broader UHG reputational measures of success, adjusting approach based on data and insights
• Collaborate daily with fellow Optum communications leaders and teammates to advance the broader Optum reputation, brand awareness and marketplace value story

 

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of media relations experience, health care experience preferred, with proven results across a broad range of top-tier, trade and local media outlets
• Ability to work well in high-pressure, deadline-driven situations
• Ability to collaborate across teams and function, with experience working in a matrixed organization
• Proficient with Microsoft programs (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint)
• Ability to respond well to real-time feedback and pivots to meet evolving expectations/deliverables
• Demonstrated high level of initiative, solid work ethic and the ability to balance multiple assignments
• Ability to work with different management styles and levels
• Proven ability to develop successful working relationships with senior executives

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience across all aspects of communications/public relations including but not limited to social media, thought leadership and crisis communication
• Demonstrated ability to establish trusted relationships and provide strategic counsel
• Proven deep knowledge of/experience in the health care industry

 

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

 

The salary range for this role is $150,200 to $288,500 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. 

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

 

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. 

 

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.