Lead, Communications, Public Affairs

Job Summary:

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this technical/functional leader position is also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local, state, and federal leaders and politicians/their staff, government agencies, and business and community organizations; presenting public affairs efforts internally and externally; and leading efforts to identify, support, and activate community/marketing events and programs.

This role is also responsible for collaborating with Regional Communications on local and national media opportunities and inquiries; collaborating with Regional External Affairs in response to business and community organizations; creating responses to issues and crises, including social media reviews; and contributing to the creation of press releases.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Practices self-leadership and promotes learning in others by building relationships with cross-functional stakeholders; communicating information and providing advice to drive projects forward; influencing team members within assigned unit; listening and responding to, seeking, and addressing performance feedback; adapting to competing demands and new responsibilities; providing feedback to others, including upward feedback to leadership and mentoring junior team members; creating and executing plans to capitalize on strengths and develop weaknesses; and adapting to and learning from change, difficulties, and feedback.
• Conducts or oversees business-specific projects by applying deep expertise in subject area; promoting adherence to all procedures and policies; developing work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines; determining and carrying out processes and methodologies; coordinating and delegating resources to accomplish organizational goals; partnering internally and externally to make effective business decisions; solving complex problems; escalating issues or risks as appropriate; monitoring progress and results; recognizing and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; and evaluating recommendations made by others.
• Leads the implementation of communication efforts by consulting with stakeholders on change management and implementation strategies; assessing effectiveness of communications and making modifications as necessary; monitoring key performance indicators and ongoing effectiveness of communications; ensuring communication plans are implemented on time, on budget, and within agreed-upon specifications; and performing strategic issue management on a 24-hour/on-call basis as needed.
• Leads communication activities by providing support to internal and/or external stakeholders; managing and maintaining vendor relationships; defining and communicating the KP brand to ensure positive reputation and recognition; ensuring communications align with KP standards; and ensuring communication activities and performance metrics are documented and tracked.
• Leads communications by writing, editing, and producing complex content for KP communications programs and projects; proofreading and coordinating production of communications materials; ensuring final placement and distribution of materials; updating content on client-specific and internal/external channels; and ensuring content is consistent with the Kaiser Permanente brand and editorial guidelines in terms of tone, manner, and messaging.
• Leads the development of strategic communication plans by consulting with clients and stakeholders to identify business objectives, key performance indicators, and communication requirements; gathering and analyzing data and information; obtaining input and resources to fulfill communication plan objectives; ensuring plans are aligned with the organizational strategy; managing project schedules; providing input into budget; identifying and leveraging appropriate audiences and channels; influencing stakeholders on strategic direction; and providing strategic support on a variety of organizational initiatives.
• Manages complex projects or project components by coordinating stakeholder contacts; assembling team based on project needs and team member strengths; consulting in the development, analysis, and management of project plans; and coordinating project schedules and resource forecasts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum four (4) years of experience in public affairs or public relations, or a directly related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in a leadership role with or without direct reports.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Humanities, Business, Social Science, or a related field and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in communications, writing, marketing, or a directly related field. Additional equivalent work experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Additional Requirements:

N/A

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience in the planning and execution of community events.
• One (1) year of experience in evaluating the success of community events.

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