Senior Manager, Communications, Corporate Communications-Research Communications

Job Summary:

The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research (DOR) is a large, mission-driven research enterprise based in Pleasanton, California, with >80 scientists and fellows, >670 staff, and approximately $148 million in annual revenue, dedicated to the conduct and dissemination of epidemiological, health services, and clinical research to improve the health of Kaiser Permanente members and society at large, medical care, and the delivery of care across diverse fields including behavioral health and aging; cancer; cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health; health care delivery and policy; infectious disease, and women-s and children-s health. Within this context, the Senior Manager of Research Communications serves as a strategic leader responsible for advancing DOR-s visibility and impact by developing and executing integrated internal and external communications plans that address DOR priorities and integrate with the broader Kaiser Permanente Northern California research program. This role partners closely with DOR and regional leaders to harmonize strategy and messaging, align platforms such as the annual report, websites, media engagement, and social channels, and strengthen coordination across Kaiser Permanente entities and other stakeholders. In addition, the Senior Manager provides expert counsel to DOR and KPRNC leadership and investigators, manages communications operations and staff (such as the DOR science writers), supports issue preparedness, and establishes metrics to evaluate effectiveness-all aimed at elevating DOR-s scientific contributions while ensuring cohesive, consistent communications that advance regional research priorities and expand impact across audiences. The Senior Manager, Research Communications is a key member of the DOR Administration leadership team.

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this position is responsible for managing the development of communication strategy across given initiatives, ensuring internal communications plans and content are aligned with overall strategy, supporting and advising leadership in the development of communications, and ensuring the coordination of communications across stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Pursues professional growth and provides developmental opportunities for others by soliciting and acting on performance feedback; building collaborative, cross-functional relationships; hiring, training, and developing talent for growth opportunities; delegating tasks and decisions; fostering open dialogue amongst departments; strategically evaluating talent for succession planning; setting performance management guidelines and expectations across units; and working closely with employees to set goals and provide open feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
• Manages designated units by translating business plans into tactical action items; communicating goals and objectives; ensuring all policies and procedures are followed; overseeing the completion of work assignments; assuming responsibility for decision making; aligning team efforts; building accountability for and measuring progress in achieving results; incorporating resources, costs, and forecasts into unit plans; removing obstacles that impact performance; guiding performance and developing contingency plans accordingly; partnering with key stakeholders and business leaders to ensure products and/or services meet requirements and expectations while aligning with departmental strategies; and influencing units to operate in alignment with business objectives.
• Manages the development of strategic communication plans by consulting with clients and stakeholders to identify business objectives, key performance indicators, and communication requirements; gathering and analyzing data and information; obtaining input and resources to fulfill communication plan objectives; ensuring plans are aligned with the organizational strategy; managing project schedules; providing input into and managing budgets and resources; identifying and leveraging appropriate audiences and channels; influencing stakeholders on strategic direction; and providing strategic support on a variety of organizational initiatives.
• Manages the implementation of communication efforts by consulting with stakeholders or vendors on change management and implementation strategies; assessing effectiveness of communications and making modifications as necessary; monitoring key performance indicators and ongoing effectiveness of communications; ensuring communication plans are implemented on time, on budget, and within agreed upon specifications; and addressing critical issues on a 24 hour/on-call basis as needed during the implementation process.
• Manages communications across one or more business functions by writing, editing, and producing complex content for KP communications programs and projects; proofreading and coordinating production of communications materials; ensuring final placement and distribution of materials; updating content on client-specific and internal/external channels; and ensuring content is consistent with the Kaiser Permanente brand and editorial guidelines in terms of tone, manner, and messaging.
• Manages complex projects or project components by identifying and managing stakeholder contacts; assembling team based on project needs and team member strengths; developing, analyzing, and managing project plans; negotiating and managing project schedules and resource forecasts; and managing project financials, vendors, and deliverables.
• Manages communication activities by ensuring team members provide support to internal and/or external stakeholders; managing and maintaining vendor relationships; defining and communicating the KP brand to ensure positive reputation and recognition; ensuring communications align with KP standards; and ensuring communication activities and performance metrics are documented and tracked.