Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for a Communications/Public Relations Specialist who will provide communications insight and support by developing/creating ongoing communications programs on behalf of Union Power Cooperative including publications, events, internal/external communications, media relations activities, and some administrative tasks while continuously remaining focused on the Cooperative's Mission and Vision Statements, and the promotion of the Cooperative's Guiding Values.
Essential Duties Of The Position
- Research and write content, for press releases, newsletter articles, editorial articles, annual report, FAQs, presentations, speeches, talking points, retiree/board of director newsletter, and other communications materials.
- Lead, manage, and promote the cooperative's community programs including Bright Ideas Education Grants, Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships, Union Power College Scholarship program, the Rural Electric Youth Tour, and other impactful programs.
- Serve as media spokesperson for community programs.
- Responsible for special event planning, including the annual membership meeting.
- Assist with photography/videography, lighting, and digital creation as needed. Create content and update the website, intranet, social media and other digital communication channels.
- Assist as assigned with crisis communications efforts and serve as a part of the crisis communications team during major events, including storms and large outages.
- Follow evolving communications strategies and provide input, track results of communications and advertising efforts, and think creatively about traditional and digital communications applications.
- Support management with community and public relations initiatives and presentations.
- Provide communication support for all marketing, energy services and government relations efforts.
- Assist management and co-workers with employee communications and employee meetings.
- Performs all other duties assigned by supervision.
Work Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, mass communication or related field required.
- Three years of work experience required of which one to two years' experience in communications field, preferred. Experience with energy utilities and/or trade associations, a plus.
- High proficiency in both written and oral communications.
- Must have knowledge of media relations practices, content creation for traditional and digital platforms, and AP Style.
- Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
- Experience with WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign, highly preferred.
- Experience with special event planning.
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
- Must be willing to work occasional overtime and travel. Must be willing to work during crisis conditions such as storms and any other major power outage situations.
Working Conditions
General office environment; may require flexibility to work irregular hours and occasional out of town travel to schools, seminars or conferences. Periodic exposure to the outside, including rural locations.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.