Senior Director Crisis Communications and Reputation Management - Tennessee, United States - Wellpath

Description

The Senior Director of Crisis Communications and Reputation Management is responsible for developing and executing effective crisis communication strategies. This position demands exceptional communication skills, strategic acumen, and the ability to navigate high-pressure and sensitive situations. The ideal team member will play a leadership role in managing and mitigating reputational risks, ensuring timely and transparent communication during enterprise issues, and safeguarding the organization's brand and reputation.

The position will be responsible for developing proactive reputation management campaign strategies to elevate brand awareness and reputation, diffusing negative news and/or category situations, developing reactive media statements, and mitigating risk through the development and execution of a proactive crisis playbook.

The position will actively participate and support the leadership team to ensure the quality of communications with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will provide senior leadership to the communications team and guide media relations, communications, owned media, and public information functions while working closely with our Government Affairs, Legal, and Executive teams.

Education

• Requires a BA/BS degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related area

Experience

• 7-10 years of related experience with issues management and crisis communication, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Crisis Communication Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive crisis communication strategy that identifies potential risks and vulnerabilities, and proactively addresses them while complying with our client's communication requirements across multiple contracts.
• Crisis Preparedness: Execute crisis communication protocols and processes and use appropriate tools and approaches to ensure readiness for potential healthcare or member issues & crises. Conduct risk assessments, scenario planning, and simulations to strengthen preparedness efforts.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Proactively engage with media contacts to manage media inquiries, provide accurate information, and shape the narrative during healthcare crises.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Maintain open lines of communication, address concerns, and provide updates to ensure transparency and trust.
• Message Development: Craft clear, consistent, and empathetic messaging for internal and external audiences during healthcare crises. Adapt messaging based on the situation, target audience, and channel to effectively address concerns and mitigate reputational risks.
• Conduct post-crisis analysis and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• CEO and Executive Communication strategy development and planning.
• Social media: Oversees and guides Wellpath's multimedia and video strategies, including various consumer-facing website, video, and graphic design projects.
• Develops metrics to ensure communications and outreach strategies are successful.
• Supports senior leadership by drafting and editing communications as needed.
• Develop excellent working relationships with Public Information Officers and our client's Communications Directors.