Strategic Communications Manager

Wellpointe Family of Companies; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellpointe Inc. is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager in Chicago to lead internal and external communications, elevating brand and market presence in senior living and healthcare markets.

You will shape corporate messaging, manage PR and content strategy, and drive executive communications, with opportunities to engage at conferences, podcasts, and strategic partnerships. Collaboration with senior leaders and cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, Business, or related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, media strategy, or related field.
• Experience in senior living, real estate, healthcare services, or related verticals preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation development skills.
• Strong research and audience persona development skills.
• Experience coordinating conferences, speaking engagements, and executive presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media platforms, content creation tools, and CMS; ability to leverage AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop internal and external communications strategies for diverse audiences including consumers, employees, and investors.
• Coordinate press releases, media pitches, and external communications highlighting milestones and partnerships.
• Identify speaking engagements, podcasts, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Create executive talking points, proposals, and authored articles for visibility.
• Monitor media trends to mitigate reputational risk and capitalize on opportunities.
• Lead content strategy across channels and ensure brand consistency across initiatives.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive communications

Storytelling & copywriting

Brand positioning

Cross-functional collaboration

Public relations

Conference & speaking engagement

Content strategy

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media platforms

Content management systems

AI-powered content tools

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Title: Strategic Communications Manager Company: Wellpointe Inc. (\\"Wellpointe\\") Reports to: Co-Founder & CEO Location: Chicago, IL Employment Type: Full-Time

ABOUT WELLPOINTE

Operating at the intersection of housing and health, Wellpointe is a leading provider of affordable, boutique-style residential assisted living and related healthcare services that specializes in offering a coordinated and integrated system of care to older adults and adults in need of supports and services.

Wellpointe differentiates itself through its ability to provide complex care coordination in a home-like residential environment while prioritizing resident outcomes, family satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Wellpointe currently operates Fresno Guest Homes, Cottages at The Colony, Irvine Cottages, and Granny's Place residential assisted living brands across Fresno, Los Angeles, and Central & South Orange County, California.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Strategic Communications Manager position is responsible for the development and execution of internal and external communications strategies that strengthen Wellpointe's brand, elevate its market presence, and position the company as a thought leader in senior living, healthcare, and real estate.

This role will focus on corporate messaging, public relations, marketing communications, social media content, executive communications, and employee engagement. The position will also identify opportunities to expand Wellpointe's industry presence through conferences, speaking engagements, podcasts, media coverage, and strategic partnerships.

Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, this individual will translate company initiatives, innovations, and growth strategies into compelling narratives while ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications & Brand Positioning

• Develop and execute internal and external communications strategies based on target audiences including consumers, capital markets, current employees and the talent market.
• Establish consistent corporate messaging that aligns with Wellpointe's business objectives and communicates Wellpointe's mission, values, and differentiators.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and internal departments to ensure message consistency across company platforms and initiatives.
• Develop compelling company narratives, presentations, and strategic messaging that strengthen Wellpointe's brand and market positioning across target audiences.

Public Relations & Thought Leadership

• Write and coordinate press releases, media pitches, and external communications highlighting company milestones, partnerships, innovations, events, and achievements.
• Build relationships with industry publications, journalists, media outlets, and public relations partners to secure earned media coverage.
• Identify and pursue speaking engagements, podcast appearances, executive interviews, industry awards, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Develop executive talking points, speaking proposals, presentations, articles, and other thought leadership content.
• Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and public perception to identify opportunities and potential reputational risks.

Conferences & Industry Engagement

• Research and recommend relevant industry conferences, networking events, and strategic engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate conference participation, speaking submissions, sponsorship opportunities, and presentation materials.
• Attend select conferences and industry events to support Wellpointe's brand visibility and professional relationships.
• Develop pre-event and post-event communications to maximize exposure and engagement.

Marketing Materials & Content Strategy

• Develop, organize, and maintain corporate marketing assets, pitch materials, presentations, brochures, executive biographies, and other branded assets.
• Create and execute multi-channel content strategies that highlight company achievements, industry insights, and executive thought leadership.
• Maintain editorial calendars for social media, press releases, company announcements, and marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agency partners to ensure content quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Leverage AI-powered tools to support content development, audience analysis, and communication effectiveness.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

• Develop and coordinate internal communications, including company announcements, executive updates, newsletters, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Support communications surrounding organizational changes, company milestones, employee recognition, and rollout of organizational initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership and department leaders to ensure clear and consistent messaging across target audiences.
• Ensure internal communications reflect Wellpointe's culture, values, and commitment to employee engagement.
• Develop internal presentations for Executive Leadership.

Strategic Planning & Performance

• Maintain a strategic communications calendar covering media outreach, conferences, speaking engagements, social media, and company announcements.
• Track communication effectiveness through media placements, audience engagement, social media performance, and industry recognition.
• Identify new communication channels, marketing opportunities, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Wellpointe's market presence.
• Support reputation management and the development of appropriate communications during sensitive or high-profile situations.
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Psychology, Marketing, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, media strategy, corporate marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in senior living, real estate, healthcare services, hospitality, financial and investment services verticals or a related vertical preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation development skills.
• Strong research and audience persona development skills.
• Experience developing strategic communications plans, press releases, executive messaging, and digital content.
• Strong understanding of media relations, brand positioning, social media strategy, and thought leadership.
• Experience coordinating conferences, speaking engagements, and executive presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media platforms, content creation tools, content management systems for websites, and leveraging AI.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence working with senior executives, external partners, and industry leaders.
• Willingness to travel for select conferences, industry events, and company initiatives.