Communications and Public Relations

General Description Of PositionUnder the moderate supervision of the Director of Customer and Shared Services, is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining external communication and public relations programs to support marketing and customer service efforts. Responsible for internal employee communications as well. Develops and coordinates public relations programs designed to create and maintain favorable public image for the utility. Requires judgment and analytical ability organizing information, creating and editing publications and correspondence.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesPlans, reviews, assists in and directs the development and communication of pertinent and timely information for the public, customers and employees.Prepares or directs preparation for media notifications, newsletters, annual reports, special brochures and other relative materials including online content.Promotes goodwill through such publicity efforts as presentations, exhibits, tours, and question/answer sessions.Researches data, creates ideas, writes, copies and designs artwork.Writes articles, reports, editorials, and other related materials.Develops, conducts, communicates and helps interpret customer, employee and public opinion surveys.Advises management on community relation projects and activities as well as manages the budget for related expenditures and oversees the approval and processing of community requests.Stays current with development and new techniques in field of expertise.Coordinates media relations including such activities as preparation of news notifications and feature articles, and arranging interviews between utility personnel and media representatives.Serves as utility spokesperson.Maintains professional relationship with local media and community leaders.Assists with, reviews or prepares oral and audio-visual presentations.Develops advertising and promotional activities.Maintains good public relations in all contacts with employees, customers, and general public.Represents the utility by serving on committees and associations involved in activities supported by the utility. Attends public and business gatherings as needed.Organizes and participates in seminars, programs and special events, or assists with same.Thirty-minute response time required.Serves as open records officer for utility, receiving, developing and coordinating correspondence responsive to requests.Develops, oversees, and updates utility's online presence including its official website, employee intranet and social media presence.Provides regular updates regarding communication efforts to utility leadership and commissioners.Coordinates crisis communications with other relative entities.Budgets, manages, and distributes community support contributions and sponsorship funds.Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.Education And ExperienceBroad knowledge of such fields as accounting, marketing, business administration, finance, etc. Equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus 4-8 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 12 to 18 months related management experience preferred.Additional InformationKnowledge and AbilitiesProficient in and ability to communicate through social media posts. Excellent skills in oral and written communications required. Must be able to deal effectively with employees, the public, and media. Strong knowledge of publishing processes, art and design layout and desktop publishing.ExperienceExperience in building positive relationships with media partners and communicating organizational impact through press releases, interviews and media outreach. Experience working with community organizations to support programs, partnerships or outreach initiatives.Job Posted by ApplicantPro