Lead, External Communications

Position Summary

The Enterprise Risk Lead helps protect and advance DaVita's reputation by managing communications projects and readiness processes for complex, high-visibility business matters. This externally focused role owns defined projects from planning through execution, develops clear materials for influential audiences and coordinates with partners to keep work moving. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in issues communications, strong judgment and disciplined project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage communications projects and readiness processes for complex enterprise matters, delivering against defined goals, timelines and stakeholder needs.
• Develop concise, audience-appropriate messaging and materials across external and internal channels, including statements, talking points, executive briefings, Q&A and stakeholder communications.
• Assess business, policy, workforce and reputational considerations; connect relevant themes and recommend practical communications approaches.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Legal, Government Affairs, People Services, operations and other teams to align priorities and drive coordinated execution.
• Create project plans, establish next steps and consistently communicate progress, risks, decisions and results to stakeholders.
• Anticipate questions, emerging risks and potential roadblocks; develop scenarios, response materials and escalation plans and recommend solutions when issues arise.
• Monitor the external environment and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information into concise insights, implications and recommended actions.
• Own and continuously improve playbooks, trackers, message libraries, stakeholder maps and other readiness resources; identify opportunities to improve processes at scale.
• Prioritize work across competing needs, track timelines and resources and address gaps or deviations to keep projects moving.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned recommendations for leaders and partners in fast-moving situations, considering implications beyond the immediate project.
• Share expertise and best practices with teammates, support effective delegation where appropriate and contribute to a collaborative, high-accountability team culture.
• Manage proactive and responsive media relations, build reporter relationships and prepare and train spokespeople for interviews.
• Support broader reputation, media relations and Corporate Affairs priorities as business needs evolve, including urgent needs outside standard business hours.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, media relations, corporate affairs or a related field, with a proven track record managing sensitive or high-visibility work.
• Proven media relations experience, including reporter engagement, interview preparation and spokesperson training.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and tailor materials for different audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage timelines and dependencies, coordinate contributors and communicate progress and results.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships, collaborate and negotiate across functions and work through differing perspectives toward common goals.
• Sound judgment and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate multiple inputs, identify implications and make well-reasoned recommendations.
• Initiative and a continuous-improvement mindset, including experience improving tools, processes or ways of working.
• High accountability, resilience and attention to detail; able to work independently, navigate ambiguity and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.