Manager, External Communications

Looking for a way to make an impact and help people? Join PacificSource and help our members access quality, affordable care! PacificSource is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information or age. PacificSource values the diversity of our community, including those we hire and serve. We are committed to creating and fostering a work environment in which individual differences and diversity are appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. The External Communications Manager is responsible for the strategic execution of external communications to elevate the organization’s brand, reputation, and thought leadership. This role is responsible for media relations, public messaging, social media strategy, and crisis communication. The manager works in close partnership with the Internal Communications Manager and Marketing team to ensure message consistency, brand alignment, and coordinated outreach across all external channels. This role serves as a key voice of the organization to brokers, employers, providers, members, and the broader community. Essential Responsibilities: Develop and execute robust communication plans that outline clear protocols that support business goals, enhance brand reputation, and promote thought leadership. Position the organization as an industry leader by developing and promoting valuable content, identifying and supporting leaders at key industry events, fostering relationships with influential stakeholders. Drive innovative communication strategies that highlight the organization's expertise and forward-thinking approach. Craft effective content for various external channels including press releases, social media, website, blog posts, newsletters, etc. ensuring consistency in message and tone for all relevant audiences including brokers, employers, providers, members, and the community. Oversee and monitor public perception, proactively address any issues or concerns, and reinforce positive brand messaging through strategic communication initiatives. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure continuity of approach. Monitor media coverage, social media conversations, and other relevant channels to stay ahead of potential issues and understand public sentiment. Oversee social media strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategic priorities. Serve as a spokesperson or media liaison when appropriate, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries. Collaborate with the Community Engagement Manager oversee and strengthen our community engagement approach. This includes building trust and strong relationships throughout the community and engaging employees in community initiatives. Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage any potential issues. Analyze data and feedback to inform communication strategies, identify emerging trends, and adjust tactics as needed. Partner with the Internal Communications Manager to ensure cohesive messaging across internal and external audiences. Coordinate with Marketing to align communication efforts. Coordinate business activities by maintaining collaborative partnerships with key departments. Actively participate in various strategic and internal committees in order to disseminate information within the organization and represent company philosophy. Maintain consistency in tone, voice, and messaging with the corporate brand identity to align with and reinforce the organization's brand and reputation. Responsible for hiring, staff development, coaching, performance reviews, corrective actions, and termination of employees. Provide feedback, including regular one-on-ones and performance evaluations, for direct reports. Develop annual department budgets. Monitor spending versus the planned budgeted throughout the year and take corrective action where needed. Actively participate as a key team member in Manager/Supervisor meetings. Supporting Responsibilities: Meet department and company performance and attendance expectations. Follow the PacificSource privacy policy and HIPAA laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and security of protected health information. Perform other duties as assigned. SUCCESS PROFILE Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant communications or public relations role. Supervisory experience preferred. Education, Certificates, Licenses: Bachelor’s degree required. Candidates with an Associate’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma and 4 years of relevant experience, in addition to the required minimum years of Work Experience will also be considered. Preferred area of focus: Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Knowledge: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in storytelling. Proficiency in external and internal communications and social media strategy. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform communications strategies. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful communications strategies. Strong media relations skills and a network of media contacts. Competencies Building Trust Building a Successful Team Aligning Performance for Success Building Partnerships Customer Focus Continuous Improvement Decision Making Facilitating Change Leveraging Diversity Driving for Results Environment: Work inside in a general office setting with ergonomically configured equipment. Travel is required approximately 10% of the time. Skills: Accountable leadership, Collaboration, Data-driven & Analytical, Delegation, Effective communication, Listening (active), Situational Leadership, Strategic Thinking Our Values We live and breathe our values. In fact, our culture is driven by these seven core values which guide us in how we do business: We are committed to doing the right thing. We are one team working toward a common goal. We are each responsible for customer service. We practice open communication at all levels of the company to foster individual, team and company growth. We actively participate in efforts to improve our many communities-internally and externally. We actively work to advance social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace, the healthcare system and community. We encourage creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Physical Requirements: Stoop and bend. Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while performing core job functions. Repetitive motions to include typing, sorting and filing. Light lifting and carrying of files and business materials. Ability to read and comprehend both written and spoken English. Communicate clearly and effectively. Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position and is subject to change. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employment remains AT-WILL at all times. PacificSource is anything but a typical health insurance company. Founded in 1933, we’re an independent, not-for-profit organization that puts our members, and their communities first—across Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. It's our employees who make it happen: promoting health equity and partnering with providers to deliver better access to optimal, affordable care. So yes, with PacificSource, you get to do great things. In our effort to put members first—more than 600,000 of them—initiative, commitment, and hard work are supported and rewarded with excellent benefits, competitive wages, and opportunities for personal growth and advancement. Benefits: Flexible telecommute policy, medical, vision, and dental insurance, incentive program, paid time off and holidays, 401(k) plan, volunteer opportunities, tuition reimbursement and training, life insurance, and options such as a flexible spending account. We love our common purpose. Empowerment, flexibility, and sharing success make for a great place to work. Here’s what else we feel good about: A mission with a real sense of shared values Competitive wages and outstanding benefits, including telecommuting Opportunities for learning development and career advancement Organizational leadership style rooted in servant and transformational leadership A commitment to support the communities we serve A belief in the importance of work-life balance October 29: Western Oregon University Fall Career Fair, 11a-2p PST, (345 Monmouth Ave N, Monmouth OR) November 7: Portland Veteran Stand Down, 10a-2p PST, (6701 NE Campus Way, Hillsboro OR) PacificSource is an equal opportunity employer and a company that loves helping people. We work with our employees to understand their goals, and provide training, individual development, and career advancement opportunities to help them achieve just that. Top Workplace 2025 and 2024 USA | USA Today 2025 Healthcare Top Workplaces | Energage Top Workplaces # 6 Healthiest Employer of Oregon 2025 | Portland Business Journal Top Workplace 2024, 2023 and 2022 for Oregon and SW Washington | The Oregonian Top Workplace 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 for the Treasure Valley | Idaho Press Certified Age Friendly Employer, 2023 | Age Friendly Institute PacificSource is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to review our AAP Policy Statement. If you have questions about working at PacificSource or need help with your application, please email HRrecruiting@PacificSource.com.