External Communications & Media Relations Principal - The Cigna Group

External Communications & Media Relations, Principal, The Cigna Group

Hybrid role: Washington, DC, Bloomfield, CT or St.

Louis, MO offices preferred

Shape the future of health care through powerful storytelling.

Role Summary

As a Principal on our Media Relations & Public Affairs Communications team, you'll be at the forefront of shaping The Cigna Group's reputation and thought leadership.

This is a high-impact role where you'll lead media engagement strategies, manage complex issues, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.

Acting as Deputy to the Managing Director, you'll also play a critical role in team operations, planning, and analytics, helping us stay ahead in our fast-moving, highly-regulated industry.

If you thrive dynamic environments, have a passion for proactive storytelling, and can navigate sensitive issues with confidence and clarity, this is your opportunity to make a measurable difference.

What You'll Do


* Drive Strategic Media Engagement:
+ Design and execute media strategies that elevate enterprise priorities and advance The Cigna Group's reputation.
+ Cultivate strong relationships with top-tier journalists, editors, producers, and influencers.


* Lead Issue & Crisis Management:
+ Serve as a trusted advisor during high-pressure situations, delivering rapid-response communications and risk mitigation strategies.
+ Anticipate reputational challenges and proactively manage them before they escalate.


* Amplify Executive Visibility:
+ Develop positioning strategies for senior leaders, securing high-profile interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities.
+ Conduct media training and craft compelling talking points for executive interactions.



* Create Impactful Content:
+ Write and edit press releases, statements, and narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and align with business priorities.
+ Ensure clarity, consistency, and authenticity across all external communications.


* Measure & Optimize Performance:
+ Track media coverage, analyze impact, and deliver actionable insights to inform future strategies.
+ Provide regular reporting to leadership on trends and performance metrics.

Ideal candidates will offer:


* Experience:
+ 10+ years of progressive experience in healthcare media relations and issue management.
+ Agency experience and familiarity with regulated industries strongly preferred.


* Skills & Competencies:
+ Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
+ Proven ability to manage sensitive, high-profile situations with sound judgment.
+ Strong media network and ability to build new relationships.
+ Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.
+ Proficiency in leveraging AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to enhance workflows and decision-making.


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