Description
media relations
crisis communication
content management
community grants
strategy planning
metrics evaluation
An inspired leader and contributor, you will lead communication planning and execution through earned media outreach and across owned channels. In this visible position, you will serve as a key media contact, responding to inquiries and driving coverage of cooperative initiatives ranging from energy innovation to outage restoration and the impact cooperatives make in their communities. Working with cooperatives across the state, you will develop a strong understanding of evolving needs of co-op communicators statewide and create strategies and materials to support those needs. You will also oversee and help promote community relations programs that bring benefits to cooperative communities in a variety of ways, including providing grants and scholarships to teachers and students.
Summary Description: The Director of Communications will lead a comprehensive owned- and earned- media communication strategy to increase awareness of the mission and impact of North Carolina’s 26 not-for-profit electric cooperatives, while also working collaboratively with the Brand Strategy (paid media) team.
- Direct and expand media relations strategies, nurturing relationships with journalists and telling the story of how cooperative innovation, support for communities, economic development initiatives and new energy services benefit cooperative members, communities and our state.
- Interact with media and serve as company spokesperson, executing proactive media outreach to strengthen the network of cooperatives’ position and reputation.
- With support from team and drawing from market research, create and implement communications plans to connect with electric co-op consumers and engage them on key issues for the industry and cooperatives.
- Lead crisis and critical issue communication strategy planning and execution, with support from team and external public relations agency.
- Direct community relations programs that provide grants, scholarships and support to rural teachers and students.
- Plan, execute and evaluate results on a multi-faceted communications strategy
- Identify and evaluate key metrics.
- Work together with teams across the organization, including marketing, market research, government affairs, economic development, HR and publications, to ensure communications strategies are integrated companywide.
- Maintain an understanding of industry, communication and consumer trends, as well as emerging issues that could impact cooperatives, and make recommendations regarding communication strategies surrounding them.
- Manage a team of 1-3 individuals for content creation on websites and social media.
- Oversee corporate comms and community relations activities including:
- Provide strategic PR direction and communications counsel for 26 member cooperatives.
Requirements
10+ years
project management
crisis communication
public speaking
bachelor's
multitasking
Work Experience: 10+ years in a communications-based discipline, experience with media relations and enthusiasm for a fast-paced and collaborative work environment. Utility, cooperative and/or trade association experience is a plus, although not required.
Job Knowledge: Knowledge of communication best practices and evolving trends. Familiarity with the media landscape in North Carolina. Experience developing crisis communication strategies. Comfort and skill in both broadcast and print media interviews.
Academic and Trade Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
- The ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment and solve complex problems/issues thoughtfully and under pressure.
- Ability to maintain message discipline within communications
- A service mindset, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical implementation.
- Strategic thinker with strong project management ability.
- Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking and writing skills to represent the brand with key internal and external stakeholders.
Benefits
Working Conditions: Normal working conditions, including some travel and responsibilities outside of normal business hours. Includes working shifts during crisis conditions, such as hurricanes and ice storms. In-office/remote hybrid available.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
