Manager Public Relations & Communications - Health Alliance Plan

Role Description:

This position is a hybrid role and will require 3 days a week in Troy, with occasional meetings in Detroit and other locations.

The Manager of Public Relations & Communications for Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health is responsible for developing and implementing public relations and communications strategies and plans to support the 500,000+ member non-profit health plan. Reports to the Director of Communications Strategy, Value-Based Enterprise at Henry Ford Health.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage public relations and external communications strategies for Health Alliance Plan, including oversight of the PR agency, development of press releases, media statements, talking points, and other external communications materials.
• Partner with Henry Ford Health Value-Based Enterprise, System Communications and other partners to develop and align communications across the organization, ensuring consistent messaging and strategic integration across all channels.
• Prepare and support executives and subject matter experts for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances, including providing virtual and on-site media relations support.
• Develop and execute earned and paid media strategies, collaborating with marketing, system communications, and health plan leadership to increase visibility and strengthen reputation.
• In partnership with Director of Communications Strategy, serve as a strategic communications advisor to Health Alliance Plan leadership, developing proactive communications plans that support organizational priorities, business objectives, market growth and reputation management.
• Manage executive communications for Health Alliance Plan leaders, including key messaging, presentations, speeches, and leadership communications.
• Develop content and communications for digital channels, including social media, websites, intranet, and other communications vehicles to support engagement and brand awareness.
• Collaborate with Brand, Creative Services, and System Communications to maintain a consistent and integrated Health Alliance Plan brand across all communications and marketing materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, business partners, and external stakeholders, working closely with Community Relations and organizational leaders to support outreach and engagement initiatives.
• Lead and manage PR and internal communications specialists, including assigning work, setting priorities, providing coaching and feedback, and ensuring high-quality execution of communications initiatives.
• Foster the professional growth and development of communications team members through ongoing mentorship, performance management, skills development, and career planning.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
• Seven (7) or more years of public relations experience with increasing responsibility
• Exceptional oral, written, and digital communication skills
• Excellent people skills and the ability to connect with leaders across all levels—you're a natural collaborator who thrives in diverse environments.
• Must be a critical thinker who can distill complex medical and industry concepts into language everyone understands.
• A genuine passion for storytelling, infectious curiosity, and a true "client partner" mindset that drives everything you do.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects and complex issues while staying innovative, creative, detail-oriented, and accurate