📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Communications Specialist, Principal - B2B
🔹 Company: Blue Shield of California
🔹 Location: Oakland, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading communications strategies to express Blue Shield's mission, vision, and capabilities to key B2B audiences
- Supporting B2B commercial acquisition, retention, and go-to-market initiatives
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand and represent Blue Shield's offerings
- Creating compelling content that resonates with brokers, consultants, and employer groups
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of B2B marketing principles and the ability to translate complex information into clear, persuasive communications.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and develop a variety of communications that uniquely express Blue Shield’s mission, vision, and capabilities to key audiences, including brokers, consultants, and employer groups
✅ Support B2B commercial acquisition, retention, and go-to-market initiatives to drive sales enablement
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gain a deep understanding of Blue Shield’s offerings and represent them effectively in communications
✅ Create compelling content that resonates with target audiences and drives desired actions
✅ Manage and mentor junior team members to develop their skills and contribute to team goals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves both strategic planning and tactical execution, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in B2B marketing, with a focus on communications and sales enablement
Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in B2B marketing and communications
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of the health insurance industry (preferred)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with marketing automation tools
- Familiarity with CRM systems
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the health insurance industry may have an advantage, but a strong background in B2B marketing and a willingness to learn the industry are equally valuable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for project needs)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Blue Shield of California is a nonprofit health plan that provides health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. It is a tax-paying, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with nearly 6 million members, over 7,500 employees, and more than $25 billion in annual revenue.
Company Size: Blue Shield of California has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: 1939, in San Francisco, with headquarters now in Oakland
Company Description:
- Strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable
- Contributes to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to have an impact on California communities
- Emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its mission and values
Company Specialties:
- Not-for-profit California Health Plan
- Health insurance and access to health care
Company Website: http://www.blueshieldca.com
ASSUMPTION: Blue Shield of California's nonprofit status and focus on community impact may influence its culture and priorities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Principal level, indicating significant experience and expertise in the field
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Manager, B2B Growth, with potential for managing junior team members
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for flexibility based on project needs
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to mentor junior team members and develop leadership skills
- Opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams and gain exposure to different aspects of the business
- Possibility to advance to a management role or take on additional responsibilities as the team grows
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for both professional development and career advancement within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation
Office Location(s): 601 W 12th St, Oakland, California 94607, US
Geographic Context:
- Oakland is a diverse, urban city with a rich history and vibrant culture
- The Bay Area offers a wide range of amenities, including access to outdoor activities, arts and entertainment, and diverse dining options
- The cost of living in the Bay Area is high, with housing being particularly expensive
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, with potential for flexibility based on project needs
ASSUMPTION: The Bay Area's high cost of living may impact the affordability of this role for some candidates.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and potential team members to discuss the role and company in more detail
- Case study or presentation to demonstrate problem-solving skills and communication abilities
- Final interview with senior leadership to assess fit and answer any remaining questions
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Understanding of B2B marketing principles and sales enablement
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Cultural fit and alignment with Blue Shield's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your B2B marketing experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work with diverse teams
- Research Blue Shield of California's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities
ATS Keywords: B2B marketing, communications, sales enablement, strategy development, retention, go-to-market initiatives, broker engagement, consultant engagement, employer group engagement, mission expression, vision expression, capability expression, communication skills, functional understanding
ASSUMPTION: Blue Shield of California's application process may involve assessments or case studies to evaluate candidates' skills and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on Blue Shield of California's tech stack and the candidate's areas of expertise.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality: We strive to deliver excellence in all that we do
- Integrity: We act with honesty and fairness in all our interactions
- Respect: We value and appreciate the diversity of our employees, members, and providers
- Innovation: We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement
- Stewardship: We are responsible for managing our resources effectively and ethically
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Blue Shield of California values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Innovative: The organization encourages creative problem-solving and continuous learning
- Results-driven: Blue Shield of California focuses on delivering meaningful outcomes and driving business impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing multiple priorities?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving results and delivering high-quality work?
ASSUMPTION: Blue Shield of California's values and work style may evolve over time, and candidates should research the organization's recent initiatives and culture to ensure a strong fit.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The high cost of living in the Bay Area may impact affordability for some candidates
- The role may require occasional work on evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines
- Blue Shield of California's large size may present opportunities and challenges in terms of communication, collaboration, and career advancement
- The health insurance industry can be complex and rapidly changing, requiring adaptability and continuous learning
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should weigh the potential challenges of this role against the opportunities for professional development and career growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a B2B Marketing Manager or Senior Marketing Manager position, but with a focus on communications and sales enablement
- In the health insurance industry, this role may involve more complex products and services than in other industries, requiring a strong understanding of the business and its offerings
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a management position, taking on additional responsibilities, or transitioning to a related field within the organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in the health insurance industry and other relevant industries to gain a better understanding of the market and their competitive advantages.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a go-to-market strategy for a new product or service offering, including messaging, content, and channel strategy
- Creating a sales enablement tool, such as a battle card or sales playbook, to support the sales team in their efforts to engage with brokers, consultants, and employer groups
- Managing a cross-functional team to develop and execute a marketing campaign, including email marketing, social media, and event marketing components
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects for this role may vary based on Blue Shield of California's current initiatives and the candidate's areas of expertise.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support Blue Shield of California's overall mission and strategic priorities?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the B2B Growth team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Blue Shield of California foster innovation and continuous learning in this role?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career advancement within the organization?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization, as well as their understanding of the business and its priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your B2B marketing experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work with diverse teams
- Research Blue Shield of California's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
