Public Relations & Media Manager

You could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members. Centene is transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time. As a diversified, national organization, you’ll have access to competitive benefits including a fresh perspective on workplace flexibility.

Position Purpose:

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key national and trade media outlets to elevate Centene’s visibility and support its corporate and subsidiary objectives.
• Develops and executes integrated media and public relations strategies that align with Centene’s business priorities, policy goals, and advocacy efforts.
• Provides strategic counsel and guidance to subsidiaries, senior executives, and cross-functional teams on media relations, proactive public relations, and issues management.
• Leads efforts to monitor and analyze media coverage, legislative and regulatory developments, industry trends, and competitive activities; develops and implements responsive communication and advocacy strategies.
• Acts as a key liaison with trade associations, agencies, and external stakeholders to advance Centene’s policy priorities and maintain positive working relationships.
• Supports government relations initiatives by crafting clear, compelling messaging and communications for legislative advocacy, public policy announcements, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinates and facilitates media interviews and speaking opportunities for executives, ensuring consistent messaging and preparedness.
• Manages the Public Relations approval process, in support of government relations initiatives, between subsidiaries and corporate senior management, ensuring alignment, compliance, and timely execution.
• Monitors multiple projects concurrently, maintaining quality and meeting deadlines with a strong sense of ownership and initiative.
• Collaborates closely with Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Policy teams to ensure unified messaging and effective risk mitigation, especially during crisis situations.
• Demonstrates executive presence by confidently engaging with senior leaders, policymakers, and external partners, representing Centene with professionalism and authority.
• Drives continuous improvement of communication processes, fostering innovation and efficiency in media and government relations activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or related field required
• Master's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or related field preferred
• 7+ years experience of media relations, public relations, and government relations, preferably in healthcare, government, or regulated industries required
• Proven track record of managing complex communication strategies and government affairs initiatives preferred
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision and exercising strong judgment in high-stakes environments preferred
• Demonstrated executive presence and ability to effectively influence senior leadership and external stakeholders preferred

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act