External Communications Director, Remote

The External Communications Director will be responsible for leading media relations, including leveraging existing network and knowledge of the healthcare industry to position our thought leaders as experts; cultivating and leveraging media connections to build Aledade’s brand; managing media inquiries, including from top tier outlets; serving as an on-the-record spokesperson when appropriate; and coordinating external media affairs in partnership with media affairs consulting firm.
We are flexible with respect to geographic location, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable working remotely within the US.

Primary Duties:

• Lead company wide media relations, serving as on the record spokesperson, developing and maintaining media relationships, identifying and pitching media stories, preparing and staffing executives for media interviews and speaking engagements; monitoring and measuring results.  Manage external media relations firm and vendor tools..
• Content development including press releases, opinion pieces, journal articles, media advisories, and social media content.
• Plan and coordinate rollouts with partners across the company, contributing to calendar and cross functional strategic communications planning and monitoring.  
• Coordinate Aledade speakers bureau, Identifying and securing strategic event opportunities for Aledade executives including pitching, preparation, staffing, and follow up.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a relevant field required
• A minimum of 12+ years of progressively senior communications experience with a focus on healthcare and/or public policy at a nonprofit, corporation, or communications agency environment

Preferred knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

• Familiarity with healthcare policy and industry trends including value base care, Medicare Advantage, CMS, ACA, ACO, and MSSP. 
• Exceptional and proven written communication skills
• Proven track record of garnering media placements, as well as experience as an on-the-record spokesperson
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and functions within the organization
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
• Strong initiative and ability to work well in ambiguous situations
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and functions within the organization
• Calm under pressure, extremely organized, pro-active with strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated Crisis Communication/Issues Management experience
• Able to synthesize key messages and talking points into a compelling story and incorporate input from a diverse range of internal stakeholders into building Aledade’s marketing and brand. 
• Experience managing vendors and external firms
• Experience with media monitoring and media list development software and tools (eg Meltwater, Muckrack etc)

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time. Extensive use of computers and keyboard. Occasional walking and lifting may be required.

Who We Are:Aledade, a public benefit corporation, exists to empower the most transformational part of our health care landscape - independent primary care. We were founded in 2014, and since then, we've become the largest network of independent primary care in the country - helping practices, health centers and clinics deliver better care to their patients and thrive in value-based care. Additionally, by creating value-based contracts across a wide variety of payers, we aim to flip the script on the traditional fee-for-service model. Our work strengthens continuity of care, aligns incentives, and ensures primary care physicians are paid for what they do best - keeping patients healthy. If you want to help create a health care system that is good for patients, good for practices and good for society - and if you're eager to join a collaborative, inclusive and remote-first culture - you've come to the right place.
What Does This Mean for You?At Aledade, you will be part of a creative culture that is driven by a passion for tackling complex issues with respect, open-mindedness and a desire to learn. You will collaborate with team members who bring a wide range of experiences, interests, backgrounds, beliefs and achievements to their work - and who are all united by a shared passion for public health and a commitment to the Aledade mission.
In addition to time off to support work-life balance and enjoyment, we offer the following comprehensive benefits package designed for the overall well-being of our team members:Flexible work schedules and the ability to work remotely are available for many rolesHealth, dental and vision insurance paid up to 80% for employees, dep