VP, Media Affairs & Policy Strategy

Optum; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 200,400 - 343,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Equity stock purchase

401k contribution

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group seeks an accomplished leader to serve as Vice President of Media Affairs for Policy and Regulatory, shaping the narrative on federal and state policy challenges. The role requires bridging Government Affairs, Legal and Clinical leadership to present a unified external posture.

The position is hybrid with four in-office days weekly in MN/DC, and offers a comprehensive benefits package, equity opportunities, and 401(k) contribution.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience at the highest levels of media relations or public affairs.
• Fortune 50 / highly regulated environment experience.
• Direct experience managing media during a federal investigation or major merger.
• Existing bipartisan network within D.C. press and policy think tanks.
• Master Communicator: distill regulations into simple pitches for front pages.
• Diplomatic instincts to influence C-suite and handle 24/7 news cycle.
• Crisis management track record mitigating existential brand threats.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a multi-year media strategy aligned with federal and state policy goals.
• Bridge Government Affairs, Legal and Clinical leadership for unified external posture.
• Serve as the primary on-the-record voice on national policy issues; manage top inquiries.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior editors and influential columnists at major outlets.
• Translate complex legislative language into plain-language narratives that shift public sentiment.
• Mentor a high-performing team of media professionals and agency partners.

Skills

Media relations

Public policy

Crisis management

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Bipartisan networking

Job description

UnitedHealth Group seeks an accomplished leader to serve as Vice President of Media Affairs for Policy and Regulatory, shaping the narrative on federal and state policy challenges. The role requires bridging Government Affairs, Legal and Clinical leadership to present a unified external posture.

The position is hybrid with four in-office days weekly in MN/DC, and offers a comprehensive benefits package, equity opportunities, and 401(k) contribution.