Director, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications - DDMA

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Director of Public Affairs & Corporate Communications will lead and execute a comprehensive corporate communications strategy, managing both internal and external communications to enhance the company’s reputation, engagement, and influence. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in corporate communications, public affairs, media relations, and stakeholder engagement, particularly within the healthcare and insurance sectors.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Corporate Communications Strategy:

• Develop and implement a holistic communications strategy aligned with the company’s business objectives and industry leadership role.
• Provide executive-level strategic counsel on messaging, positioning, and reputation management.
• Oversee crisis communications planning and response, ensuring alignment with legal, compliance, and executive leadership.

Internal Communications:

• Lead employee communication strategies to enhance engagement, transparency, and alignment with corporate goals.
• Partner with HR and leadership teams to drive culture-building initiatives, change management communications, and executive messaging.
• Develop internal content (emails, newsletters, town halls, videos) to reinforce corporate priorities.

External Communications & Public Affairs:

• Oversee media relations strategy, serving as a spokesperson and coordinating with PR agencies.
• Develop messaging for press releases, op-eds, speeches, and talking points to enhance the company’s public image.
• Acts as external communications liaison to industry association, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and strategic priorities.

Brand & Reputation Management:

• Ensure brand consistency across all communication channels.
• Lead thought leadership initiatives, positioning executives as industry experts in dental insurance, healthcare policy, and innovation.
• Monitor public perception, industry trends, and competitor positioning to inform proactive communications strategies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or government relations.
• Strong background in healthcare, insurance, or highly regulated industries preferred.
• Proven experience in crisis communications, media relations, and executive communications.
• Experience managing internal communications programs for large organizations.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, compelling narratives.

Preferred: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Incumbent must be able to communicate effectively. 
• Ability to operate personal computer and related technologies.
• Incumbent works primarily in a remote environment or a private or shared office environment. 

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform this position.

** In accordance with Delta Dental of Massachusetts’ Compliance Plan, all employees must conduct Delta Dental of Massachusetts business and activities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and ethical standards and report potential compliance or ethical issues to Delta Dental of Massachusetts’ designated Compliance Officer. **

Delta Dental of Massachusetts’ Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business and activities. Please see Human Resources for additional information regarding this program.