Communications Manager

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As the Communications Manager within our Strategic Planning and Analysis team, you will be responsible for strategy, planning, creation and distribution of information to support key business objectives and improve employee engagement across several corporate divisions in UnitedHealth Group. In addition, you will plan, facilitate and provide logistical support for large format department meetings and other events. This role offers a great opportunity to work on a wide variety of communications and meetings, support executive leadership, build upon UnitedHealth Group’s cultural values and collaborate with business owners and communications teams across the enterprise. The position requires a broad range of communication skills and stellar interpersonal skills.

The Strategic Planning and Analysis team comprises 32 employees supporting the finance, reporting, strategic planning, communication and project needs of Corporate Services to ensure the department operates at its highest potential. Corporate Services includes divisions that provide vital support and partnership to UHG businesses and more specifically includes Enterprise Sourcing & Procurement, Enterprise Real Estate and Enterprise Resiliency & Response (approximately 350 employees).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative communication strategies and plans to support business priorities and key initiatives 
• Partner with project and program managers to develop and implement effective communication strategies aligned with project schedules and stakeholder requirements 
• Understand and optimize communication channels 
• Write, edit and proofread materials including newsletters, memos, presentations, talking points, program handbooks, organization announcements, policies, web pages, etc. 
• Collaborate with subject matter experts on content development and format alternatives 
• Design, publish and distribute communications to the intended audience as scheduled 
• Manage innovative Corporate Services communication strategy to support business priorities, corporate initiatives and employee engagement 
• Manage complex review and approval process for a matrix organization 
• Enhance, maintain and administer web-based platforms such as SharePoint and Intranet sites 
• Plan and facilitate medium to large format meetings, volunteer opportunities or other special events 
• Measure and evaluate effectiveness and impact of meetings and communications; modify plans or approach as necessary to best meet objectives 
• Liaise with Corporate Communications to ensure messages are aligned and in compliance with brand standards or other applicable guidelines 
• Confirm technical content with operational areas and ensure timeliness and accuracy of all information available to employees or other stakeholders 
• Proactively build effective relationships and positive communication with business leaders to ensure readiness to respond to urgent communication requests 
• Support infusion of UnitedHealth Group culture through communications, meetings and other activities including action planning

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field; and/or equivalent job related experiences 
• 5+ years of communications experience, including planning, writing, editing, designing and publishing materials 
• 2+ years of project coordination, event planning or related administrative support 
• Experience partnering with executives to manage their communication needs 
• Experience using technology (e.g. video, dynamic web content, interactive online training, social media) to deliver high-impact communications and events 
• Experience organizing and prioritizing, and balancing multiple priorities 
• Experience influencing without authority, developing strong relationships across departmental and functional lines, and obtaining necessary inputs in order to accomplish own goals (work effectively in a large matrix environment)

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or other advanced degree 
• High degree of proficiency using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, intermediate with Excel 
• Project management or project coordination experience 
• Experience supporting Operations teams 
• Health insurance or large corporate experience 
• Live within a commutable distance to corporate office in Minnetonka, MN