Internal Communications Specialist

KHS reasonably expects to pay starting compensation for the position of Internal Communications Specialist in the range of $73,830– 98,757/ Annual

Our Mission.. Kern Health Systems is dedicated to improving the health status of our members through an integrated managed health care delivery system.

General Purpose

Kern Health Systems (KHS) is an independent public agency whose mission is improving the health status of our members through an integrated managed health care delivery system. KHS is firmly committed to improving the health and well-being of the community through the delivery of trusted, high quality, cost-effective, equitable and accessible healthcare.

Under the supervision and direction of the Senior Director of Marketing and Member Engagement, the Internal Communications Specialist will champion implementation of internal communications strategies, including internal and interdepartmental communications, analyze tracking and performance data, and lead the research for internal communication needs. The Internal Communications Specialist will focus on maintaining the support of our corporate image and KHS brand within the organization.

The Internal Communications Specialist will collaborate with leadership teams across the organization to lead development of internal communications strategies that align with objectives of the company and assist in the maintenance of the professional and positive image of KHS within the organization and in the managed healthcare and local business community. Drive the primary internal communications strategy across stakeholder groups KHS Board, employees, members, providers, and the community. Commitment to maintain strong internal and external relationships. Lead the execution of internal and collaborate on external marketing programs, activities, and publications. Track and measure communications successes and support implementation of changes in the internal communications strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work closely with executives and their departments to understand KHS strategic goals and develop appropriate communication strategies and materials for internal stakeholders (KHS Board, employees, members, providers); Develop and execute internal communications plans, programs, and tactics through appropriate channels;Create programs to consistently and effectively communicate key messages internally, including those designed to support the organization’s business objectives, mission, vision, values, branding initiatives, and results;Support the development and execution of CEO/C-suite business outlook meetings, employee town hall meetings, leader forums, activities for special committees (including DEIB and other culture-focused committees), and other internal communication events; Develop communication materials such as business outlook presentations, internal announcements, KHS Connect Forum presentations, leader forum video scripts, all-staff video scripts, speeches, keynote addresses, external presentations for executives, intranet articles, regular publications, and special interest news; Partner closely with external consultants on the development and execution of materials and communications for business outlook meetings, town hall meetings, special committee events, and other internal communications as needed;Oversee development of visual materials such as “kiosk” slides, company posters, and a variety of other graphics in support of organizational initiatives (including DEIB and other culture-focused initiatives), presentations, programs, and special events;Collaborate with Marketing, Community Engagement, Member Engagement, Health Equity, Wellness & Prevention, Provider Network Management, HR, and other stakeholders to develop and maintain an annual calendar of internal communications and events;Collaborate with Senior Director and Public Relations Consultants, marketing, internal KHS Departments and technical teams to ensure the development of cohesive, consistent key messaging, brand advocacy for KHS;Collaborate with the Health Equity Office to ensure all messaging is consistent with KHS’s health equity strategy and deliver messaging that highlights KHS equity initiatives and communications strategies to internal and external stakeholders;Stay abreast of technological advances to improve KHS’s internal communications strategies, plans, materials, and impact;Implement and monitor measurement techniques to ensure the usage and effectiveness of internal communications channels (monthly reports); Manage and coordinate relevant content on the corporate intranet site;Partner with teams across the organization to help coordinate meetings and events for employees, and lead the communications plan for those events;Act as a storyteller – develop relationships with organizational leaders to cultivate a culture of compelling, effective storytelling;Ensure the timely completion of internal communications and delegated projects; Partner with the CEO, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, and other key stakeholders on internal calls-to-action for emergency situations or “all-hands-on-deck” situations as needed;Implement and manage content on a variety of digital employee communications channels (ie. Microsoft Teams, Axios HQ, Sprout Social); Serve as focal point for organization-wide intranet content; Function as “editor-in-chief” for print and electronic employee publications (i.e. bimonthly employee newsletter); Serve as a communications subject matter expert on various internal projects and teams as needed; Assist in ensuring employee communications (and those prepared for KHS employees by external consultants) meet KHS communications and identity standards; Support preparation of department budgets, goals, and objectives consistent with the organization’s goals;Serve as a key operational member of the KHS emergency response team; Assist Senior Director with other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, or related field from an accredited institution or equivalent required.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a marketing, public relations, media relations or corporate internal communications position. Additional years of relevant experience may substitute for other educational requirements. Experience and knowledge of newsletter and social media applications (i.e. Axios HQ, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Hubspot, etc.)

Knowledge of: Media outlets in telecommunication or related field; existing relationships with key media outlets; experience partnering with external agencies; a passionate communicator who effectively and efficiently juggles multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment; excellent communication and project management skills; technical, data, query, measureable tracking experience and knowledge; and knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and website, and social media applications. Knowledge of

health plan operations, marketing or health plan benefit design preferred. Demonstration of exceptional knowledge may substitute for other educational or experience requirements.

Other: Required travel (locally) up to 20%. Possession of valid California Driver’s License and proof of valid State required auto liability insurance. Moving or lifting of boxes or materials up to 20 lbs. for marketing promotions and events.

Ability to

Live the KHS values.Be collaborative by respecting and celebrating the differences and unique skills of others.Be proactive, reliable, accountable, and accurate, with a strong attention to detail.Be authentic, genuine, and real; ideally would combine candor with care.Work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and navigate ambiguous situations.Be comfortable with a wide degree of creativity and latitude.Be self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management.Drive results through influence and effective leadership.

Must have

A deep understanding of effective communications for internal audiences.Applicants must present a professional image and be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of corporate communications and strong cross-functional relationships.Superior skills in business writing, internal communications strategies, developing business presentations, creating reports on short notice, and communications software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Axios HQ, Sprout Social, etc.)