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.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead for a portfolio of key Business of Health accounts; Advise clients across managed care, benefits, health plans, care delivery, value-based care, care management, hospitals and health systems, mental health and wellness, and health services; Define and oversee integrated communications strategies; Provide executive-level counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation management, issues and crisis response; Guide teams in translating complex healthcare business, operational, economic, and policy topics into clear stories; Own senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor; Identify and drive organic growth opportunities; Oversee financial performance for assigned accounts; Contribute to Highwire's point of view on Business of Health trends; Maintain and deepen relationships with top-tier healthcare, business, benefits, policy, and trade media; Oversee thought leadership programs; Guide executive visibility strategies; Support integrated amplification strategies; Represent Highwire and clients at major events; Lead, mentor, and develop account teams; Support team growth through recruitment, coaching, and performance management; Play a key role in new business development; Partner with agency leadership; 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 (required); 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; Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams; Strong business acumen, including forecasting, resourcing, account management, and revenue growth; Experience supporting and winning new business in a competitive agency environment; Confident, collaborative, and decisive leader; Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Benefits

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth; Flexible hybrid work model; Generous vacation policy including extended summer and winter breaks; Early log-off on Fridays through 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; Monthly technology reimbursement; Wellness benefit program; 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; Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace