Manager Strategic Content - Executive Communications

About the role

This role will serve as the primary communications partner to members of the executive leadership team. It acts as a trusted advisor to senior executives, translating complex business strategies into compelling communications that inspire action, build trust, and reinforce Highmark Health's mission and purpose.

Preferred responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive executive communications strategies aligned with enterprise priorities.
• Advise executive leaders on messaging, positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Anticipate communications opportunities and risks and recommend proactive approaches.
• Write and edit high‑impact communications, including speeches and keynote presentations, town‑hall remarks, employee communications, leadership messages and video scripts, board and leadership meeting materials, articles, blogs, thought‑leadership content, social‑media content, and external bylines.
• Ensure all communications reflect the executive's authentic voice and leadership style.

Essential responsibilities

• Perform management duties such as hiring, termination, coaching, development, rewards, recognition, performance management, and staff productivity.
• Plan, organize, staff, direct, and control day‑to‑day department operations; develop and implement policies, programs, and budgets as needed.
• Serve as a key member of the communications department’s management team, contributing to annual strategic plans and directing messaging development.
• Manage crisis situations and work with business partners to implement strategic, rapid‑response plans.
• Consult with executive leadership to develop effective strategies—including communications, messaging, and channels—that support the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Act as a lead writer and consultant, ensuring all written and verbal communications meet brand standards and reflect strategic direction.
• Oversee strategic direction for internal communication channels (intranet, campaign managers, electronic bulletin boards, etc.) and spearhead new formats.
• Own communication analytics; develop reporting strategies for senior leadership and oversee benchmarking, best practices, and trends.
• Oversee execution of communication strategies and change‑management plans for operational changes.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Substitutions: 6 years of related and progressive experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

Experience

• Required: 7 years in health care, health insurance, information technology, and/or large‑corporation communications.
• 5 years managing large communication programs in corporate environments, including internal and/or external spokesperson duties.
• 5 years of change‑management communications experience.
• 3 years of demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Preferred: 5 years supporting C‑suite leaders with thought‑leadership and executive positioning programs.
• 3–5 years of experience managing a team.

Skills

• Charismatic, creative, and positive work ethic; models the organization’s core behaviors.
• Passionate about leadership, advocacy, and team development.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic communications, engagement, and planning.
• Self‑starter able to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment, independently or with a team.
• Strong relationship‑building, conflict‑resolution, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience building comprehensive, purposeful communication strategies.
• Outgoing, confident, and able to speak up with creative communication approaches.
• Strong understanding of health‑care/health‑insurance and technology terminology.
• Knowledge of effective change‑management methodologies.
• Preferred: experience with graphic design and design applications.
• Knowledge of AP style and grammar.
• Trustworthy with confidential information.
• Strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong executive presence.
• Political savvy and stakeholder management.

Travel requirement

0% – 25% travel.

Position type

Hybrid – three days per week onsite (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

Physical demands

• Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely lifting 10–25 pounds.
• Rarely lifting 25–50 pounds.

Compliance requirement

This role adheres to Highmark Health’s ethical and legal standards, including HIPAA, data‑security policies, and the company’s Code of Business Conduct. Employees may access confidential customer information and must protect it at all times, complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws and company policies.