Cigna is seeking a seasoned, accomplished and highly motivated senior leader for our dynamic Media Relations team. This individual will be responsible for the planning and execution of external communications strategies, programs and tactics that promote, protect and enhance Cigna's capabilities and reputation by effectively communicating with national and local media, and other stakeholders. To be successful in this position, the individual in this role will manage reactive media, adopt a journalistic approach to story mining, storytelling and connecting dots and then executing on proactive, strategic media relations.



Duties and Responsibilities include:

 

• Responsible for creating and implementing a media relations program, aligned with business strategy, that will favorably position Cigna and its business units for growth while maintaining its reputation.


• Maintain strong working relationships with national and local business/financial and trade media across channels (print, broadcast and digital/social).


• Act as a key spokesperson for Cigna with media at the local, regional and national level. This includes drafting and deploying media statements and releases, as well as in-person engagements.


• Play a leading role in shaping and drafting company responses to key regulatory and policy issues, in partnership with Government Affairs.


• Identify issues on the horizon that may impact the company and prepare a coordinated crisis response plan.


• Partner with and convene others across the organization to develop original storylines and media pitches that generate coverage to showcase Cigna's innovative solutions, value proposition and mission. Work closely with the Social Media team to ensure we are maximizing every piece of earned coverage.


• Manage financial related media relations, working closely with Investor Relations from media perspective on key investor meetings and events, the Annual Report, etc.


• Build CEO media relations strategies and programming in coordination with the thought leadership and CEO communications functions.


• Establish strong and collaborative working relations with other leaders within Communications and across the organization (i.e. Marketing, Government Affairs, Foundation, business segments, etc.).


• Monitor and evaluate results of communications programs, using key metrics to track progress and insights for continuous improvement.
  
   

• 10-15+ years proven experience working in public relations, communications, public affairs or media relations in an agency or at large, diverse Fortune 500 companies.


• Deep understanding of media relations strategies and tactics in the health care industry, with an existing network of top tier reporter relationships.


• Must have well-developed relationships with key reporters and journalists. 


• A strong track record in providing strategic communications counsel to C-level executives.


• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications or related discipline.


• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media; ability to write for a variety of audiences.


• Experience with social media influence engagement, content campaigns and media coverage amplification.


• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies and strategies can be utilized.


• Evidence of keen insight into the integration between business and communications’ objectives.


• Tact and discretion to work with confidential information and Cigna employees at all levels.


• Experience working in a global, highly-matrix ed, deadline-sensitive environment.


• Proven ability to manage various types of crises.


• Ability for work nights and weekends as the needs of the business dictate. 


• Influence and coordination skills to work with other internal areas and outside vendors to meet deadlines.


• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output. Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team.