Director, Strategic Communications

At Zelis, we Get Stuff Done. So, let’s get to it!

A Little About Us

Zelis is modernizing the healthcare financial experience across payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. We serve more than 750 payers, including the top five national health plans, regional health plans, TPAs and millions of healthcare providers and consumers across our platform of solutions. Zelis sees across the system to identify, optimize, and solve problems holistically with technology built by healthcare experts – driving real, measurable results for clients.

A Little About You

You bring a unique blend of personality and professional expertise to your work, inspiring others with your passion and dedication. Your career is a testament to your diverse experiences, community involvement, and the valuable lessons you've learned along the way. You are more than just your resume; you are a reflection of your achievements, the knowledge you've gained, and the personal interests that shape who you are.

Position Overview

The Director, Strategic Communications will play an integral role within Zelis’ Communications organization, making strategic decisions about the flow of external information during and after issues and crisis events. This individual contributor will be focused on protecting the company’s reputation and helping to architect rapid-response communication strategies for the media, government officials, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.

In this role, you’ll act as an internal conductor and strategic partner, ensuring cross-functional alignment across the Operating Committee, Legal, Compliance, Legislative Affairs, Investor Relations, and other various functions. You’ll bring expertise and perspective on how to elevate the brand in meaningful and tactful ways, beyond traditional earned media. In partnership with the VP, Brand & PR, you’ll establish and implement strategic communications plans, develop, write and/or approve messaging for press releases and media pitches, executive talking points, media statements, bylines, op-eds, and more. At times, you may act as an official company spokesperson.

Your leadership in crisis and issues communications will help steer the narrative during critical moments, and you’ll directly influence Zelis’ future market reputation.

THE EXPECTATIONS

• Thoughtful communications leadership: Bring defined experience in issues and crisis management, understanding how to communicate externally at the right time, through the right channels and in a way that mitigates long-term damage. Understand how to work collaboratively and effectively in a cross-functional environment, anticipating risks, defining escalation paths, and orchestrating coordinated communications.
• Manages issues before they become crises: Monitor emerging threats (regulatory, legal, reputational) and craft proactive mitigation plans in coordination with the appropriate internal stakeholders and/or agency partners.
• Executive presence: Advise the Operating Committee and other senior leaders on strategic decisions. Bring a measured approach to enabling alignment and playing a proactive role in keeping stakeholders regularly informed.
• Industry engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key influencers, not just traditional media, to help elevate Zelis’ brand awareness in meaningful ways – both at the state and national level.
• Strong media relations: Bring deep expertise in media relations in high-pressure scenarios, understanding how to balance proactive and reactive communication strategies.
• Support crisis management planning: Play an active role in helping Zelis mature its playbooks and policies, while engaging directly in developing or executing tabletop exercises.
• Assessment of outcomes: Define clear metrics and post-incident reviews to measure response effectiveness and refine protocols.

ABOUT YOU:

• 12+ years in strategic communications roles with a heavy emphasis on crisis management, issues management, and government affairs. Track record in multi-region or global government affairs and communications.
• Healthcare and technology expertise is desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, Journalism, or a related field.
• Collaborative style in a fast-paced environment, highly adaptable and able to work with speed and agility under pressure.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills—crafting concise, authoritative messages for various audiences.
• Hands-on expertise with news and/or reputation monitoring and social listening platforms.

Please note at this time we are unable to proceed with candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Location and Workplace Flexibility

We have offices in Atlanta GA, Boston MA, Morristown NJ, Plano TX, St. Louis MO, St. Petersburg FL, and Hyderabad, India. We foster a hybrid and remote friendly culture, and all our employee's work locations are based on the needs of the position and determined by the Leadership team. In-office work and activities, if applicable, vary based on the work and team objectives in accordance with Company policies.

Base Salary Range

$139,000.00 - $186,000.00

At Zelis we are committed to providing fair and equitable compensation packages. The base salary range allows us to make an offer that considers multiple individualized factors, including experience, education, qualifications, as well as job-related and industry-related knowledge and skills, etc. Base pay is just one part of our Total Rewards package, which may also include discretionary bonus plans, commissions, or other incentives depending on the role.

Zelis’ full-time associates are eligible for a highly competitive benefits package as well, which demonstrates our commitment to our employees’ health, well-being, and financial protection. The US-based benefits include a 401k plan with employer match, flexible paid time off, holidays, parental leaves, life and disability insurance, and health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Zelis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications for the role. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all.

Accessibility Support

We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation with any part of the application and/or interview process, please email TalentAcquisition@zelis.com.

Disclaimer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, duties, and skills from time to time.