Lead, Communications

Lead, Communications

This individual contributor is primarily responsible for leading the development of strategic communication plans and leading the implementation of communication efforts. This position leads communications and manages complex projects or project components.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Practices self-leadership and promotes learning in others by building relationships with cross-functional stakeholders; communicating information and providing advice to drive projects forward; influencing team members within assigned unit; listening and responding to, seeking, and addressing performance feedback; adapting to competing demands and new responsibilities; providing feedback to others, including upward feedback to leadership and mentoring junior team members; creating and executing plans to capitalize on strengths and develop weaknesses; and adapting to and learning from change, difficulties, and feedback.
• Conducts or oversees business-specific projects by applying deep expertise in subject area; promoting adherence to all procedures and policies; developing work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines; determining and carrying out processes and methodologies; coordinating and delegating resources to accomplish organizational goals; partnering internally and externally to make effective business decisions; solving complex problems; escalating issues or risks as appropriate; monitoring progress and results; recognizing and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; and evaluating recommendations made by others.
• Leads the implementation of communication efforts by consulting with stakeholders on change management and implementation strategies; assessing effectiveness of communications and making modifications as necessary; monitoring key performance indicators and ongoing effectiveness of communications; ensuring communication plans are implemented on time, on budget, and within agreed upon specifications; and performing strategic issue management on a 24-hour/on-call basis as needed.
• Leads communication activities by providing support to internal and/or external stakeholders; managing and maintaining vendor relationships; defining and communicating the KP brand to ensure positive reputation and recognition; ensuring communications align with KP standards; and ensuring communication activities and performance metrics are documented and tracked.
• Leads communications by writing, editing, and producing complex content for KP communications programs and projects; proofreading and coordinating production of communications materials; ensuring final placement and distribution of materials; updating content on client-specific and internal/external channels; and ensuring content is consistent with the Kaiser Permanente brand and editorial guidelines in terms of tone, manner, and messaging.
• Leads the development of strategic communication plans by consulting with clients and stakeholders to identify business objectives, key performance indicators, and communication requirements; gathering and analyzing data and information; obtaining input and resources to fulfill communication plan objectives; ensuring plans are aligned with the organizational strategy; managing project schedules; providing input into budget; identifying and leveraging appropriate audiences and channels; influencing stakeholders on strategic direction, and providing strategic support on a variety of organizational initiatives.
• Manages complex projects or project components by coordinating stakeholder contacts; assembling team based on project needs and team member strengths; consulting in the development, analysis, and management of project plans; and coordinating project schedules and resource forecasts.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Minimum three (3) years experience in a leadership role with or without direct reports.
• Bachelors degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Humanities, Business, Social Science, or related field and minimum eight (8) years experience in communications, writing, marketing, or a directly related field. Additional equivalent work experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Additional requirements include:

Preferred qualifications include:

• Two (2) years in health care or another heavily regulated industry (e.g., Banking).
• Three (3) years experience working in an organization with union represented employees.
• Four (4) years project management experience.
• Three (3) years experience in change management or communications support.
• Three (3) years experience working in a matrixed organization.
• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Humanities, Business, Social Science, or related field.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.