UnitedHealth Group - Vice President, Media Affairs for Policy & Regulatory

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 team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Vice President of Media Affairs for Policy and Regulatory is a high-visibility leader responsible for protecting and advancing the reputation of a Fortune 3 integrated health care enterprise. Tasked with navigating the intersection of national policy, insurance regulation and clinical care delivery, this leader will architect the narrative for the company's most complex legislative and regulatory challenges. You will serve as the primary architect of the "D.C. voice" for a multi-billion-dollar organization, ensuring our mission is understood by the most influential media outlets, policymakers and global stakeholders.

Hybrid in MN/DC: This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

Enterprise Strategic Leadership:

·Narrative Architecture: Design and lead a multi-year media strategy with federal and state policy goals

·Integration: Bridge the gap between Government Affairs, Legal and Clinical leadership to ensure a unified external posture on issues like Medicare Advantage, drug pricing and care equity

Elite Media & Public Affairs:

·High-Stakes Spokesperson: Act as the primary on-the-record voice for the company on sensitive national policy issues; manage top tier inquiries and editorial board briefings

·Power Network: Build and maintain relationships with bureau chiefs, senior editors and influential columnists at outlets like The New York Times, WSJ, The Washington Post and Politico

·Political Intelligence: Translate complex legislative language into compelling, plain-language narratives that shift public and political sentiment

Organizational Excellence:

·Team Building: Help mentor a high-performing team of media professionals and agency partners

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: 

• 15+ years of experience at the highest levels of media relations, public affairs or senior government service (e.g., White House, Cabinet-level agency or Leadership on the Hill)

• Fortune 50 / Highly Regulated Pedigree: Proven success navigating the complexity of a massive, publicly traded organization or a Tier-1 global agency

• Direct experience managing media for a company during a major federal investigation or transformative merger

• An existing, bipartisan network of contacts within the D.C. press corps and policy think tanks

Required Qualifications: 

• Master Communicator: Ability to distill 1,000-page regulations into a three-sentence pitch that lands on the front page

• Diplomatic Instincts: Exceptional "EQ" with the ability to influence C-suite peers and maintain composure in a 24/7 news cycle

• Crisis Hardened: A track record of successfully mitigating "existential" brand threats through strategic media placement

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer 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 us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $200,400 to $343,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.  

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.   

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