Specialist, Communications Operations & Planning

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Communications Operations Specialist helps the enterprise communications function operate with discipline, coordinate across teams and deliver with consistency. Part of the Campaign and Communications Operations team at a Fortune 10, highly regulated integrated health care organization, this role supports high-impact, multi-channel campaigns that advance enterprise priorities, including UHG's reputation work. The role also helps to strengthen the communications operating infrastructure: the planning, calendar, message management and workflows that teams across the function depend on.

This role combines clear writing, including for social, with strong project management and exceptional attention to detail. It calls for sound judgment and the ability to make steady progress as priorities change.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Communications Planning & Calendar Management

• Manage and maintain the enterprise communications calendar, covering campaign milestones, earnings, policy dates, events, executive appearances, and other public moments

• Contribute to 360 communications plans for major announcements and events to help amplify key moments, working across the team to message and execute

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and stakeholder alignment processes tracking milestones and deliverables to ensure timely, high-quality execution

• Facilitate coordination across internal teams (communications, marketing, legal, compliance, business units) to deliver integrated outcomes and coordinate cross-functional deliverables to ensure alignment with enterprise narrative, brand standards, and regulatory requirements

• Operational Excellence & Capability Building

• Support adoption of and continuous improvement of communications policies, procedures, systems, and processes

• Help establish and refine scalable workflows, governance models, and documentation to enhance efficiency and consistency, and support the use of AI tools in those workflows by keeping source content current and checking outputs for accuracy and alignment with UHG standards

• Support the day-to-day operation of the team's tools, including keeping the enterprise calendar and message bank current with approved messaging, data points and supporting materials

• Identify opportunities to improve tools, reporting, and collaboration across the communications function

• Writing & Content Support

• Draft, edit and refine clear and accurate content for internal and external audiences, including communications plans, message bank entries and executive social media content

• Review materials for accuracy, clarity, style and consistency

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with internal stakeholders across communications, marketing, public affairs, legal, compliance, and business segments to keep work aligned and on schedule

• Provide stakeholders with timely, concise status updates

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:

• 2+ years of experience in a corporate communications environment, such as a newsroom or large corporation
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing enterprise-level communications plans and supporting cross-functional projects
• Experience following or building workflows, supporting communications planning
• Proven exceptional project management and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Proven excellent writer with a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of social media
• Proven ability to navigate and execute within regulatory and compliance frameworks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using generative AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Cowork, in a work setting
• Familiarity with reputation management and brand campaigns at scale
• Proven background in healthcare, insurance, or similarly regulated industries
• Proven track record of building or improving communications processes and governance models

Key Competencies

• Strategic execution with strong operational discipline
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Clear, accurate writing across formats and channels
• Analytical mindset with focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
• Stakeholder management and influence across matrixed organizations
• Curiosity and drive to improve how work gets done

Why This Role Matters

This role helps the organization tell its story consistently and credibly, in service of its mission to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. Dependable planning, accurate messaging and well-run workflows keep that mission visible across the enterprise. It is an excellent opportunity to deepen your experience in enterprise communications while contributing from day one.

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 $72,800 - $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.