Communications Manager

Company Description

Why Wellmark: We are a mutual insurance company owned by our policy holders across Iowa and South Dakota, and we’ve built our reputation on over 80 years’ worth of trust. We are not motivated by profits. We are motivated by the well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors–our members. If you’re passionate about joining an organization working hard to put its members first, to provide best-in-class service, and one that is committed to sustainability and innovation, consider applying today! 

Learn more about our unique benefit offerings here. 

Want to know more? You can learn about life at Wellmark here.

Job Description

Use Your Strengths at Wellmark as a Communications Manager!

Wellmark is an industry leader in Iowa and South Dakota with a strong commitment to improving the health of everyone living in our two states. We are seeking a Communications Manager to join our team and help us tell our story to a variety of audiences, increasing awareness and understanding of how we are working with others to help all Iowans and South Dakotans live longer, healthier lives. 

About the role: As part of Wellmark's Health Equity, Access, & Improvement division, the Communications Manager will lead the development and implementation of communications strategies and content that illustrate how Wellmark is working to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans by going upstream to address Social Drivers of Health (SDOH). This includes working closely within the division and cross-functional leaders to create messaging, communications plans, content, presentations, and data visualization materials to support and reinforce the value Wellmark brings as a collaborator, coalition builder, and champion for better health. You will distill this into consistent narratives across a variety of channels that effectively educate and engage internal and external stakeholders. The objective in most communication will be to educate with data, concisely explain how Wellmark is working to make the lives of Iowans and South Dakotans better and ensure that the message is refreshed and positive, enabling interested parties a clear path to partner, contribute, and engage in the topic.

About You: Ideal candidates are exceptional storytellers who can craft a universal narrative tailored to a diverse set of audiences. You are a self-starter, exceptional writer, natural collaborator and connector: you have a demonstrated history of building productive and meaningful relationships with people at all levels, from an internal peer to a senior leader to a government official. Metrics are key to understanding performance and you have a deep understanding of methods of measurement and how metrics can be used to shape a story. You are never afraid to ask and figure out the 'why': that can only lead to improvement. If this sounds like you, apply today!

You can learn more about the impactful work of the Wellmark Foundation here.

This position will work a hybrid schedule of at least 3 days in Wellmark's Des Moines office, with 2 days remote option.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of internal communications experience, including serving as a partner for senior leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study such as journalism, mass communications, marketing communications, or related field.
• 4+ years of corporate communications experience, including serving as a partner for senior leadership.
• Excellent writing and content creation skills in alignment with AP Style.
• Experience in creating communications plans with defined benchmarks and results reporting.
• Experience in gathering and analyzing data and creating reports to showcase performance impact to a business objective.
• Strong communication, writing and editing skills, problem-solving and attention to detail. Ability to produce engaging content for varying internal and external audiences. Professional, polished, and diplomatic in approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and effective consulting skills. Ability to develop relationships of collaboration and trust. Ability to serve as a customer advocate and help resolve conflict.
• Proactive self-starter who can work well independently or as a member of a cross-functional team and has strong planning, time management, prioritization and organization skills. Able to remain focused, flexible, open to feedback and professional during stressful or unexpected situations.
• Ability to manage projects and initiatives from concept to completion. Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Adaptable and flexible with changing priorities and is able to manage competing demands while producing high-quality, professional results in a timely manner.
• Ability to stay up to speed on new trends and emerging platforms.
• Ability to measure, evaluate and refine work processes and project elements in order to achieve organizational goals while maintaining customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office suite.

Additional Information

What you will do as a Communications Manager:

a. Develop and convey Wellmark’s HEAI strategy and initiatives by creating and writing clear and concise educational and presentation materials and content that convey data and information to key internal and external audiences. Effectively tell a story, and in some instances create a call to action.
b. Ensure delineation in communication of The Wellmark Foundation activities and when appropriate, seek external counsel advice.
c. Proactively research and collaborate with subject matter experts to develop knowledge about areas of focus within the strategy, e.g., community health improvement, health equity, and rural health. Curate an informal network of topic-specific experts to ensure accuracy of information, root cause, and impact of solutions is an on-going expectation.
d. Partner and coordinate communication efforts across the enterprise to ensure consistent, synchronized messaging to employees and external stakeholders. Corporate Communications is the decision maker for timing and distribution of all messaging.
e. Facilitate consultative, ideation, and content structure discussions to develop materials for internal and external stakeholders.
f. Consult with Marketing and Corporate Communications team members to ensure that HEAI communications are integrated into organizational marketing and communications channels and timing is aligned.
g. Coordinate the execution and timely delivery of all HEAI-related assigned work, following documented workflow, production cycles and approval processes. Maintain detailed project and tracking documentation.
h. Identify appropriate indicators that measure success of established communication strategies. Track metrics related to communication tactics and provide results to leadership and stakeholders as needed.
i. Develop an annual report of progress on the HEAI Strategy and companion initiatives for use with various stakeholders, including distribution via organizational marketing and communications channels with aligned timing.
j. Proofread all copy/content thoroughly and edit material in accordance with Wellmark brand guidelines.
k. Other duties as assigned.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at [email protected]

Please inform us if you meet the definition of a "Covered DoD official".