Senior Director, External Communications

Company: MCKESSON
Location: Irving
Posted on: May 4, 2025

Job Description:

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve - we care.

What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow's health today, we want to hear from you.

The Role

The Sr. Director, External Communications will lead external communications for McKesson. This leadership position will drive our external narrative and lead our corporate external engagement strategy , corporate media relations 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 communications team and collaborate closely with functions such as marketing, public affairs, legal and others to shape and optimize plans and execution.
  
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy that supports the company's mission, values, and business objectives .
    
    • Establish and maintain strong relationships with media, industry associations, and other key external stakeholders.
      
      • Lead our media relations strategy and serve as the primary point of contact for the media.
        
        • Manage crisis communications planning and execution, ensuring the organization is prepared to respond effectively to potential crises.
          
          • • Proactively monitor and address external issues that could impact the organization.
              
              • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and rally teams behind our external communications strategy .
                
                • Equi p and empower our leaders and communicators w ith guidance and resources on industry issues and opportunities that have impact across 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 .
                    
                    • Build, deploy and enforce external engagement governance that eliminates ambiguity, mitigates risks, and empowers effective communications aligned to business priorities .
                      
                      • Lead the work to enhance our capabilities to measure, assess and improve communications, using data-driven insights.
                        
                        
                        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 .
                          
                          • Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a focus on developing talent and fostering a collaborative team environment.
                            
                            • Exc ellent written skills and verbal communication skills and deep experience working in healthcare media.
                              
                              • 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.
                                  
                                  • High level of emotional intelligence and adaptability, with outstanding judgement and the ability to navigate and manage change effectively, especially in crisis situations.
                                    
                                    • Expertise in continuously evolving and adapting capabilities, infrastructure , and resources to address the evolving external landscape and needs of the business.
                                      
                                      • 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.
                                          
                                          
                                          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.
                                          
                                          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
                                          
                                          $150,200 - $250,300
                                          
                                          McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer
                                          
                                          McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees and is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age or genetic information. For additional information on McKesson's full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.
                                          
                                          Join us at McKesson!

Keywords: MCKESSON, Arlington , Senior Director, External Communications, Executive , Irving, Texas