Chief Communications & Community Relations Officer

Southside Electric Cooperative Inc; Virginia; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

401k after one year

HDHP Medical for employees

Dependent HDHP Medical

Dental for employees

Vision for employees

HSA

HRA

Vacation/Sick/Holidays

Life Insurance for employees

Tuition reimbursement

LifeLock/Norton premium

Job summary

Southside Electric Cooperative seeks a strategic, experienced Vice President of Communications and Community Relations to serve as chief storyteller and spokesperson. You will lead the Communications & Community Relations team, shaping internal and external messaging aligned with our mission and values.

This senior role requires utility industry experience, crisis communications expertise, and a track record in stakeholder engagement, guiding communication during outages and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications or related field.
• 10+ years of utility-related work experience in a leadership communications role.
• 5+ years directing a comprehensive marketing, communications, or public relations department.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Communications & Community Relations team.
• Oversee internal and external communications strategy aligned with mission, vision, and values.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and communications advisor during high-pressure situations.
• Lead crisis and emergency communications during outages, storms, or major events.
• Develop organizational storytelling to strengthen member and community understanding.

Skills

Crisis communications

Media relations

Public speaking

Strategic leadership

Storytelling

Stakeholder engagement

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications

Job description

Southside Electric Cooperative seeks a strategic, experienced Vice President of Communications and Community Relations to serve as chief storyteller and spokesperson. You will lead the Communications & Community Relations team, shaping internal and external messaging aligned with our mission and values.

This senior role requires utility industry experience, crisis communications expertise, and a track record in stakeholder engagement, guiding communication during outages and regulatory