Communications Program Manager

Del-Co Water Company, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Pension plan

401(k)

Roth 401(k)

Paid time off

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Del-Co Water Company, Inc. seeks a Communications Program Manager to lead the organization's comprehensive communications strategy, serving as the primary strategist for brand management, media relations, crisis communications, and community engagement.

The role oversees member education initiatives and EyeOnWater enrollment through integrated digital campaigns. Requires a bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in communications, with strong writing and public speaking skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies across multiple channels and audiences.
• Proven media relations experience, including drafting press releases and managing relationships with the media.
• Experience in crisis communications planning and execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, design tools, and digital marketing platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate communications needs and align initiatives with organizational goals.
• Creative approach to communications, with the ability to develop content for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of projects.
• Experience in water utilities, municipal government, or environmental nonprofits is preferred.
• Experience with photography, video production, or multimedia content creation is preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine Del-Co Water's comprehensive communications strategy, including a proactive communications calendar across all channels and audiences.
• Establish and enforce Del-Co's brand, visual identity standards, and messaging framework.
• Evaluate communications program effectiveness through measurable metrics and member feedback; recommend and implement improvements.
• Manage relationships with external communications vendors and partners.
• Write, edit, and produce content across Del-Co's communications channels, including social media, digital newsletters, bill inserts, website, and internal communications.
• Develop compelling member stories, employee spotlights, and community narratives.
• Translate complex technical topics into clear language for a general audience.
• Develop and deliver presentations for leadership, board meetings, public forums, and events.
• Own digital communications strategy, including social media, email marketing and website content.
• Lead growth of EyeOnWater member enrollment through integrated digital campaigns and member education initiatives.
• Serve as primary media contact; build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and statements; manage media inquiries.
• Develop and maintain Del-Co's crisis communications plan.
• Support Del-Co's community engagement strategy, including planning and coordinating public meetings, member education events, school programs and special events.
• Represent Del-Co Water at community events, conferences, and public forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with municipal partners, community organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain Del-Co Water's brand standards and messaging guidelines, ensuring consistency across all communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Digital marketing

Content creation

Project management

Writing/editing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Public Administration, or a closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Design tools

Digital marketing platforms

Job description

Service Focused, Growth Oriented

Del-Co Water is committed to providing a vital resource to the communities that we serve. Recognized as a Top Workplace award winner, employees can enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, encompassing health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. With additional perks such as access to a pension, 401(k), and Roth plans, paid time off, and educational reimbursement opportunities, Del-Co Water provides a rewarding environment for professional growth and well-being.

Position Details

• Reports to: Director of Compliance & Communications
• Job Grade: 11 - $75,290–$110,679 (Target hiring range is $75,290 – $92,984)
• Classification: Salary (Exempt); Full-Time
• Department: Communications
• Schedule: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Delaware, OH; Olentangy Campus
• *Occasional evening and weekend hours required for events, public meetings, and outreach activities.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Under general direction from the Director of Compliance & Communications, the Communications Program Manager is responsible for developing and leading Del-Co Water's comprehensive communications strategy. The incumbent will serve as Del-Co's primary communications strategist, overseeing brand management, media relations, crisis communications, community engagement, and member education initiatives. The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional with strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.

Essential Duties

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine Del-Co Water's comprehensive communications strategy, including a proactive communications calendar across all channels and audiences.
• Establish and enforce Del-Co's brand, visual identity standards, and messaging framework.
• Evaluate communications program effectiveness through measurable metrics and member feedback; recommend and implement improvements.
• Manage relationships with external communications vendors and partners.
• Write, edit, and produce content across Del-Co's communications channels, including social media, digital newsletters, bill inserts, website, and internal communications.
• Develop compelling member stories, employee spotlights, and community narratives.
• Translate complex technical topics into clear language for a general audience.
• Develop and deliver presentations for leadership, board meetings, public forums, and events.
• Own digital communications strategy, including social media, email marketing and website content.
• Lead growth of EyeOnWater member enrollment through integrated digital campaigns and member education initiatives.
• Serve as primary media contact; build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and statements; manage media inquiries.
• Develop and maintain Del-Co's crisis communications plan.
• Support Del-Co's community engagement strategy, including planning and coordinating public meetings, member education events, school programs and special events.
• Represent Del-Co Water at community events, conferences, and public forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with municipal partners, community organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain Del-Co Water's brand standards and messaging guidelines, ensuring consistency across all communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the job duties successfully.

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies across multiple channels and audiences.
• Proven media relations experience, including drafting press releases and managing relationships with the media.
• Experience in crisis communications planning and execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, design tools, and digital marketing platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate communications needs and align initiatives with organizational goals.
• Creative approach to communications, with the ability to develop content for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of projects.
• Experience in water utilities, municipal government, or environmental nonprofits is preferred.
• Experience with photography, video production, or multimedia content creation is preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.