McKesson

Sr. Director, External and Policy Communications

McKesson • $155K — $259K *
Irving, TX 75061Hybrid
Healthcare
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 13+ years of experience in communications or public relations, with 6 years in leadership roles.
  • Expertise in external healthcare communications including media and crisis communications.
  • Strong capabilities in regulatory and policy communications.
  • Excellent leadership, team management, and talent development skills with a focus on collaboration and AI upskilling.
  • Proficiency in AI-enabled communication tools and data-driven insights for optimization.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the external and policy communications team, collaborating across multiple departments.
  • Develop and implement a communications strategy that aligns with corporate values and business objectives.
  • Enhance corporate narrative via social and digital channels to ensure consistent messaging.
  • Manage media relations and act as the primary media contact.
  • Monitor and address external issues related to policy and regulatory matters.
  • Oversee crisis communications preparation and execution.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on industry and policy issues, fostering strong internal partnerships.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Generous vacation and paid time off policies.
  • Employee development resources and programs.
  • Flexible work arrangements with hybrid options.
  • Opportunities for performance bonuses and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description


Title: Sr. Director, External & Policy Communications

Location: Atlanta, GA; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Washington, DC (Preferred)

Onsite/Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid (Preferred)

The Sr. Director, External & Policy Communications will lead external and policy communications for McKesson. This leadership position will drive our external corporate narrative and lead our corporate external engagement strategy, enterprise media relations, policy communications, and crisis communications in support of key business priorities. The role reports directly to the Vice President, Corporate Communications and is a member of her leadership team. The Corporate Communications team is a part of the Corporate Affairs organization, which includes Corporate Brand and Marketing, Event Planning, Public Policy, and US Government Affairs.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the external and policy communications team and collaborate closely with functions such as marketing, public affairs, legal and others to shape and optimize plans and execution using AI-enabled insights.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive external and policy communications strategy powered by our corporate narrative that supports the company's mission, values, and business objectives.
  • Drive amplification of the corporate narrative across social and digital channels to extend reach and reinforce consistent external messaging.
  • Oversee key components of the Corporate Communication's operating infrastructure including artificial intelligence and automation solutions that strengthen our ability to operate as a bionic, best in class Corporate Communications team.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with media, industry associations, and other key external stakeholders.
  • Lead our media relations strategy and serve as a primary point of contact for the media.
  • Proactively monitor and address external issues that could impact the organization, including policy and regulatory matters.
  • Manage crisis communications preparedness and execution.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and equip and empower our leaders and communicators with guidance and resources on industry and policy issues and opportunities that impact our business.
  • Build strong relationships within Corporate Affairs, as well as with other enabling functions such as Investor Relations, Legal and communications groups in other McKesson business units.
  • Enforce external engagement governance to empower effective communications aligned to business priorities and mitigate risk.
  • Lead the work to enhance our capabilities to measure, assess and improve communications, using McKesson's advanced AI-powered communications tools and platforms and other data-driven insights to drive continuous optimization.
  • Direct and oversees creation of communication materials, ensuring quality and tone, while leveraging AI and automated platforms for drafting, editing, and distribution.


Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
  • A minimum of 13 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 6 years of experience in a leadership role managing and developing a team of communication professionals, preferably within the healthcare industry.


Critical Skills
  • Demonstrated excellence and expertise in external healthcare communications, inclusive of extensive media relations and crisis communications experience.
  • Proven ability to shape and deliver communications on complex regulatory and policy issues.
  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a focus on developing talent and fostering a collaborative team environment, including AI adoption and upskilling.
  • Excellent written skills and verbal communication skills and deep experience working in healthcare media.
  • Proficient in emerging AI-enabled tools to scale and modernize communications.
  • A strong collaborator who builds bridges and trust with business partners and possesses a demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities, with a proven ability to execute complex communication plans using data and AI-driven insights.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and adaptability, with outstanding judgement and the ability to navigate and manage change effectively, especially in crisis and high-profile policy situations.
  • Expertise in continuously evolving and adapting capabilities, infrastructure, and resources to address the evolving external landscape, including policy and regulatory dynamics, and needs of the business with integration of AI and automation.
  • Proficient in leveraging social and digital communication platforms and tools to enhance engagement for both executive and employee messaging.
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and metrics to inform decision-making and translate insights into action.


Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is required. A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.


Must be authorized to work in the US. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, please click here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$155,900 - $259,900

McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:

McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.

McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.

McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.

About McKesson

McKesson Corporation provides medicines, pharmaceutical supplies, information and care management products and services across the healthcare industry. The Company operates in two segments. The McKesson Distribution Solutions segment delivers ethical drugs, medical-surgical supplies and equipment and health and beauty care products throughout North America. This segment also provides specialty pharmaceutical solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers, sells financial, operational and clinical solutions for pharmacies (retail, hospital, long-term care) and provides consulting, outsourcing and other services. The McKesson Technology Solutions segment delivers enterprise-wide clinical, patient care, financial, supply chain, strategic management and software solutions. In July 2011, the Company acquired Portico Systems from Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. On March 25, 2012, it acquired the independent banner and franchise businesses of Katz Group Canada Inc. McKesson Distribution Solutions delivers pharmaceuticals to retail pharmacies and institutional providers like hospitals and health systems. They operate pharmaceutical distribution centers across the country, serving customers in all 50 states. They also deliver a comprehensive offering of health care products, technology, equipment and related services to the alternate site market, including physician offices, surgery centers, long-term care facilities and home care businesses across the country. McKesson is currently the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America. McKesson also operates McKesson Canada and has an equity holding in Nadro, a leading distributor in Mexico.

McKesson Careers

Join McKesson, a leading global healthcare company, and be part of a team that is redefining the future of healthcare. With a variety of job opportunities available, McKesson is the perfect place to advance your career, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Work You’ll Do At McKesson, we are committed to improving care in every setting—one product, one partner, one patient at a time. We’re seeking talented professionals to join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, diversity, and leadership. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire for continuous growth and improvement. Empower Your Future in Healthcare With positions ranging from internships to leadership roles, McKesson offers unparalleled employment opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members have the opportunity to thrive. Join a team where your skills will be honed, your professional growth will be supported, and where you can genuinely see the difference you make in the lives of patients around the world. Innovative Work Environment McKesson is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our team is constantly exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes and streamline care processes. This commitment to innovation is what sets us apart and what makes McKesson an exciting place to work. Career Development and Benefits McKesson believes in nurturing the potential of its employees through robust career development programs and comprehensive benefits designed to support your life and well-being. From leadership training to health and wellness benefits, we ensure our team members are equipped to meet their professional and personal goals. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking for an internship to kickstart your career, or a senior position to utilize your extensive experience, McKesson offers a range of opportunities. Explore our open positions and find where you can make a difference at McKesson. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Networking and Professional Growth At McKesson, networking and professional growth are part of our everyday environment. We encourage our employees to connect, share, and learn from each other to foster personal and professional development. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at McKesson. Join McKesson today and be part of a team that is dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare.
Learn more about McKesson
Size
58,000 employees
Market Cap
$53.7 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
-$4.1 billion
Founded
1833
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$237.6 billion
NASDAQ
MCK
* Ladders Estimates

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