UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that’s dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a diverse team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to startCaring. Connecting. Growing together.

This position applies fresh thinking and deep communications and public affairs experience in support of UnitedHealth Group’s national health care delivery platform, Optum Health.

This position is part of the Optum Health communications leadership team and reports to the Vice President and Head of Optum Health Communications.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• A consultative partner to senior business leaders and internal clients, the VP of Communications will be adept at building relationships across a complex, matrixed organization
• Establish and expand trust-based relationships with executive leaders through proactive, ongoing, disciplined engagement and expert strategic counsel
• Formulate and execute a range of communications strategies in support of business imperatives to mitigate risk and position the company’s services and capabilities with priority audiences.
• Serve as a spokesperson with national, industry and local news media
• Build and maintain relationships with key health care and business reporters, social media bloggers, and editorial staff
• Provide consistent, hands-on support and coaching to communications team members through expert guidance, support and mentorship
• Contribute to prioritized Optum and UHG Corporate Communications activities and marquee gatherings/events
• Embody and promote UHG corporate values and ethics and demonstrate exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail
• Set a positive example as a team and cultural leader, consistently demonstrating and advancing company values and by modeling the four CLL core competencies for UHG communicators

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field
• 15 years of communications and/or public affairs experience, including people management and team leadership
• Demonstrated experience/comfort working with and providing expert counsel to senior executives
• Comfort managing complex issues at the intersection of our business and the public policy/regulatory environment
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective integrated communications and positioning campaigns
• Ability to condense and simplify complex topics/concepts for priority audiences
• Experience engaging sophisticated media to effectively inform and shape coverage
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to work independently to accomplish goals and objectives
• Highly collaborative multi-tasker able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities
• Exceptional project and time management skills
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills
• Extensive writing and editing experience with an uncompromising eye for quality and clarity
• Experience leading diverse business communications, including M&A

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree
• Health care sector experience and/or expertise
• Combination of corporate, public sector and/or agency communications experience
• Experience operating within a matrixed organization
  

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Washington Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $188,000 to $357,600 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. 

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.