Senior Director of Public Relations & External Affairs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska; Omaha (NE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is seeking a senior communications professional to develop and manage external communications and public relations strategy, strengthen brand reputation, and coordinate messaging across key audiences. You will be the primary media contact and partner with leadership, Brand, Government Affairs, the Foundation, and external agencies to build an annual PR plan.

The role oversees media relations, press releases, PR calendars, and external messaging while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field required.
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, external communications, media relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing public relations strategies, managing media relationships, and coordinating external communications initiatives.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external PR agencies.
• Experience supporting government affairs, legislative communications, community relations, or nonprofit/Foundation initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and coordination of public relations strategy and calendar in partnership with leadership, Brand, and external agency partners.
• Serve as the primary owner of media relationships, cultivating and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee the development, review, approval coordination, and distribution of press releases, media statements, announcements, and other external communications.
• Identify proactive media opportunities and develop messaging strategies that strengthen organizational reputation, visibility, and public trust.
• Lead and manage crisis communications, including response planning, executive counsel, stakeholder coordination, and timely, consistent messaging to protect organizational reputation and public trust.
• Partner with the Brand team and external agency to ensure PR initiatives complement the broader brand campaign and messaging.
• Collaborate with Government Affairs and legislative leadership to align external communications with legislative priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with state government stakeholders to support engagement and alignment on priorities.
• Support the Foundation by coordinating communications that promote its mission and partnerships.
• Work with leadership to ensure external messaging is consistent and aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is seeking a senior communications professional to develop and manage external communications and public relations strategy, strengthen brand reputation, and coordinate messaging across key audiences. You will be the primary media contact and partner with leadership, Brand, Government Affairs, the Foundation, and external agencies to build an annual PR plan.

The role oversees media relations, press releases, PR calendars, and external messaging while