Corporate Communications Specialist, Principal - Stellarus

Corporate Communications Specialist, Principal - Stellarus

Oakland, CA, United States and 1 more

Your Role

We’re seeking a strategic, dynamic, and experienced Communications Leader (Principal) to elevate how we connect, inform, and inspire our employees. This role is pivotal in shaping our internal narrative, fostering employee engagement, and driving alignment across teams and leadership. You’ll be the voice behind the scenes—crafting compelling messaging, building communication frameworks, and ensuring our people feel informed, valued, and connected to our mission.

In addition to leading internal communications, this role will support select external communications efforts in partnership with agency partners—ensuring consistency of voice, amplifying our brand story, and helping shape how we show up in the world.

Your Work

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive internal communications strategy aligned with business goals and company values.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on messaging, change management, and employee engagement.
• Lead change communications with clarity, empathy, and precision in partnership with Human Resources Business Partners.
• Content & Channels
  • Own the editorial calendar for internal communications across email, intranet, enterprise meetings and more. This includes overseeing the implementation of a new intranet platform.
  • Craft clear, engaging, and inclusive messaging for company-wide announcements and leadership updates.
  • Support ongoing IT/program-related communications in partnership with outside vendors.
• Employee Engagement
  • Design and deliver initiatives that foster transparency, trust, and two-way dialogue.
  • Measure communication effectiveness through surveys, analytics, and feedback loops.
  • Champion storytelling that celebrates employee achievements, team wins, and company culture.
• External Communications Support
  • Collaborate with agency partners to support external messaging, media relations, and brand storytelling.
  • Ensure alignment between internal and external narratives, especially during major announcements or campaigns.
  • Contribute to thought leadership, executive visibility, and reputation-building initiatives.
• Provide oversight and leadership for other communications team members.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other Family of Companies resources to ensure consistency and impact.

Your Knowledge and Experience

• Requires a college degree or equivalent experience and minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience in internal communications, corporate communications, or employee engagement
• Requires proven success in leading communications for large, complex organizations, especially during periods of growth or transformation
• Requires exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Requires strong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Requires experience with digital communication tools (e.g., intranet platforms)
• Requires empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics

About Stellarus and the Ascendiun Family of Companies

Stellarus, launched in January 2025, is designed to scale innovative healthcare solutions that support customers in creating a health care experience deserving of their family, friends, and neighbors.
Stellarus is part of a family of organizations that is overseen by a nonprofit corporate entity named Ascendiun. The Ascendiun Family of Companies also includes Blue Shield of California and its subsidiary, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Altais, a clinical services company.

Stellarus’ vision is to empower its customers to create a healthcare experience that is worthy of their family, friends, and neighbors. Stellarus’ objective is to offer innovative, modern, scalable solutions that challenge the health care status quo. This very closely aligns with Blue Shield of California’s vision by using innovation to improve quality, affordability, and experience for members.

To achieve our mission, we foster an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute fully to address the needs of the various communities we…