Vice President, Public Relations (Business of Health)

Vice Presidents of Business of Health at Highwire serve as senior leaders within the firm's Health Industry Sector Team, shaping strategy, driving growth, and delivering impactful communications programs for organizations transforming how healthcare is financed, delivered, managed, and experienced. They oversee a portfolio of complex, high-value accounts, lead senior client relationships, and guide teams in delivering consistent, exceptional results. This role represents a leadership opportunity for strategic, hands-on communications professionals with 10+ years of agency experience and deep fluency in the Business of Health ecosystem — spanning managed care and benefits, care delivery and talent, value-based care and care management, hospitals and health systems, and mental health and wellness.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead for a portfolio of key Business of Health accounts, setting strategic direction and ensuring best-in-class delivery; Advise clients across managed care and benefits, health plans, care delivery and talent, value-based care and care management, hospitals and health systems, mental health and wellness, and health services; Define and oversee integrated communications strategies that build brand authority, trust, and long-term market leadership; Provide executive-level counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation management, issues and crisis response, and business-of-health narratives; Guide teams in translating complex healthcare business topics into clear, compelling stories; Own senior client relationships and ensure client satisfaction, retention, and expansion; Identify and drive organic growth opportunities across existing accounts; Oversee financial performance for assigned accounts, including budgets, forecasting, staffing models, and margin management; Contribute to Highwire’s point of view on Business of Health trends; Maintain and deepen relationships with top-tier healthcare, business, benefits, managed care, hospital and health system, workforce, mental health, policy, and trade media, as well as analysts and key industry influencers; Oversee thought leadership programs; Guide executive visibility strategies; Support integrated amplification strategies across earned, owned, and social channels; Represent Highwire and its clients at major healthcare business events and conferences; Lead, mentor, and develop account teams; Support team growth through recruitment, coaching, performance management, and professional development; Play a key role in new business development; Partner with agency leadership and peers; Contribute to agency marketing initiatives; Champion Highwire’s culture of inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Requirements

10+ years of PR or strategic communications experience, with significant agency leadership experience; Deep expertise leading communications for organizations across the Business of Health, including managed care and benefits, health plans, care delivery, value-based care, care management, hospitals and health systems, mental health and wellness, or health services; Proven success owning and scaling integrated communications programs for complex, high-growth healthcare organizations and brands; Strong command of the healthcare business and media landscape; Solid understanding of the regulatory, policy, and market environment shaping healthcare communications; Exceptional strategic writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities; Demonstrated experience providing executive-level client counsel and managing senior stakeholder relationships, including C-suite and board-level engagement; Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams; Strong business acumen, including experience with forecasting, resourcing, account management, and revenue growth; Experience supporting and winning new business in a competitive agency environment; Confident, collaborative, and decisive leader with a passion for the Business of Health; Thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment while balancing strategic and operational priorities

Benefits

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth; Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle; Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks; Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program; 401(k) plan with employer matching; Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options; Paid parental leave benefits; Commuter benefits; Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences; Monthly technology reimbursement; Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health; 501c3 donation matching program; Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities; Monthly recognition and team celebrations; Employee referral and new business referral bonuses; Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings; Dog-friendly office environment; A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work