Communications Director

The Communications Director will be dedicated to strategic development and execution of dedicated and reactive reputation/plans for Rally Health. This person will be socializing Rally Health and business-segment value stories with key local partners, both internally and externally.

The Communications Director will collaborate closely with both Marketing and Sales teams, along with several other key functional areas.

There will be a keen communications focus on Rally business affairs, social responsibility and working closely with other functional team members, and play an important role in building, protecting and strengthening the credibility and amplifying the mission of the company among various internal and external partners.

Strong capabilities in integrated essential communications, and brand and reputation building are important. This position is also responsible for driving results-oriented programming, forming relationships with traditional and new media, local influencers, business partners and community organizations to increase awareness and understanding of the company among various external audiences.

Position can be based in Chicago, Minneapolis or Washington, DC.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, manage and implement reputation/communications plans with goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities for assigned region 
• Develop, implement and evaluate plans, strategies and tactics that promote Rally Health’s health and well-being digital products and services 
• Identify and engage with appropriate partners and influencers to build positive relationships and represent Rally’s interests 
• Partner with marketing and business leaders to identify and recommend local event participation, managing Rally’s engagement to build brand and reputation 
• You will promote executive visibility to ensure leaders participate in events aligned with key strategic objectives and interests in the markets, and help determine appropriate external engagement including boards, panels and other speaking opportunities 
• Find opportunities to submit Rally’s programs for awards to raise positive visibility and improve reputation 
• Liaise with local representatives from outside organizations to promote joint projects and initiatives and maximize positive exposure 
• Socialize Rally’s value stories with key local stakeholders 
• Coordinate with business partners to ensure all messaging and content is current, aligned with company mission and approved for dissemination 
• Maintain extensive and positive relationships with all key regional media 
• Customize Rally and business messaging for local application and relevance 
• Provide consultation and training for health plan partners to ensure effective and consistent message delivery and implementation of communications initiatives 
• Localize and implement agreed upon Rally communications initiatives and programs 
• Partner with national and local health plan teams in driving execution of programs 
• Work with local leadership and business partners to execute initiatives and programs 
• Monitor clippings, and develop regular reporting to demonstrate return on objectives for businesses and brand 
• Provide local issue support as requested 
• Direct agency partners for local on-ground media and communications support as needed

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years’ experience working in external communications, public relations is required 
• Experience developing and executing external communications, community and corporate visibility communications plans, including key messages, talking points, FAQs and statements 
• Consistent track record of developing, pitching to and placing stories in local print, broadcast and online media 
• Experience establishing relationships with external partners is required; relationships within the company's markets 
• Strong written and verbal skills required, including experience writing executive-level communications, talking points, bylined articles, etc. 
• Experience in crisis communications and issues 
• Knowledge of AP Style 
• Experience working in health care or with or for a large publicly-traded company 
• Ability to work with and interact with multiple executive and business teams 
• Ability to work as part of a cross-functional team within integrated, national and Communications teams 
• Experience handling consultants and agencies 
• Basic understanding of federal and state regulatory environment 
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously 
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Ability to travel (domestically) as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree 
• Healthcare experience

Why join Rally?

On top of an innovative work atmosphere and a chance to help people change their lives, we offer competitive pay, daily catered lunches, and an extensive benefits package for all full-time employees (including medical, dental, vision and 401(k)). In addition, offer the ability to grow, while truly making an impact in the healthcare system.