As an Associate Director, M&A Communications at Optum, you will lead and execute communications strategies for M&A transactions, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-coordinated messaging across stakeholders during critical deal milestones from pre-close through close. In this strategic leadership role, you will own the development of high-impact deal communication materials, direct cross-functional alignment across HR, Legal, Executive Leadership, Content, and Integration teams, and establish repeatable frameworks and templates to optimize future deal executions.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:- Lead the strategy, development, and execution of comprehensive communication plans for transaction milestones (pre-sign, pre-close, close)
- Own transaction-specific messaging and communication materials, including deal announcements, executive leadership messaging, FAQs, and enterprise employee communications
- Direct cross-functional alignment and messaging coordination across HR, Legal, business leaders, Content, and Executive Communications teams
- Translate complex transaction strategy into clear, accurate, consistent, and compliant communications tailored across diverse stakeholder groups
- Manage high-pressure communication timelines, deliverables, and dependencies across multiple deal workstreams simultaneously
- Provide strategic counsel and leadership readiness support to executive leadership, developing key messages, talking points, and briefing materials
- Build and maintain standardized templates, tools, frameworks, and repeatable playbooks for future deal communications
- Partner with Integration Specialists to ensure a seamless transition from transaction communications to post-close integration messaging
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:- 7+ years of progressive corporate communications, executive communications, or strategic communications experience
- 3+ years of experience managing communications in fast-paced, high-stakes M&A transactions, corporate restructurings, or enterprise-level change initiatives
- Demonstrated track record of providing strategic communications counsel to executive leadership
- Proven ability to write, edit, and deliver clear, concise, and compliant communications under tight transaction timelines
- Proven solid organizational and project management experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder workstreams simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience leading communications within a large, highly matrixed healthcare or health services enterprise
- Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, drive alignment, and maintain high accuracy in rapidly evolving deal environments
*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
