Communications Specialist

Southern Company; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerSecure in Durham, NC is seeking a Communications Specialist to develop and implement internal and external communication strategies. You will write for intranet, executive talking points, news sites, and video scripts, and work with teams to organize events.

Collaborate with marketing to create campaigns, provide counsel to officers, manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and ensure messages align with safety and integrity values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, PR, or communications preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years in public relations, writing, communications, marketing, media or related field.
• Experience in the electric utility field a plus.
• Excellent writing ability.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse clients including senior executives.
• Demonstrated teamwork and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications counsel across company accounts.
• Develop internal and external communications strategies and messages.
• Interface with officers and managers to achieve business goals.
• Collaborate with marketing to execute comprehensive communication campaigns.
• Write for intranet, executive talking points, emails, social posts, and video scripts.
• Support Public Relations efforts, including storm and emergency communications.
• Contribute to campaign ideation and creation of content for targeted audiences.
• Provide copywriting and editing support for promotional materials.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Presentation skills

Teamwork

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations or communications

Job description

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies and serves as point of contact for communication counsel for various departments and initiatives. The position includes writing for a variety of platforms – such as content for news sites, executive talking points and video scripts – and collaborating to organize and manage events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations or communications preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in public relations, writing, communications, marketing, media or related field is required with demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and ability to analyze, interpret and effectively communicate complex information
• Experience working in the electric utility field a plus
• Exceptional writing ability
• Ability to build productive, professional relationships with diverse clients, including senior executives, to achieve company’s communication and business goals
• Model company values of safety first, intentional inclusion, superior performance and acting with integrity with strong teamwork skills and demonstrated ability to work with different levels of management and employees
• Familiarity with and ability to provide content for both traditional and emerging communication platforms
• Ability to plan, prioritize and execute the life cycle of a project
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities
• Sense of urgency and ability to handle numerous projects and tasks in a fast paced environment under tight deadlines
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to motivate, encourage and recognize employees, helping them understand the business plan and how they are part of the solution
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to speak with authority and knowledge. Strong presentation skills and ability to advocate constructively for a solution
• Strong teamwork and project management skills needed

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage various company accounts, providing strategic communications counsel
• Provide communications consultation/client support by developing strategic internal and external communications strategies/messages and tactical implementation on all company issues
• Interface with officers and managers, as appropriate, in the development and achievement of business goals, including, among other things, presentation development, communication of key initiative announcements and special projects
• Collaborate with the marketing team to co-develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies for both internal and external campaigns
• Write for company vehicles including intranet; talking points for executives; email announcements; social media posts; video scripts; and more
• Support Public Relations efforts, such as storm and other emergency communications
• Participate in the creative process for campaign development, contributing to the ideation and creation of compelling content relevant to targeted audiences
• Provide communication support and expertise to supplement the marketing team's initiatives, including copywriting and editing for promotional materials
• Must have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; be self-directed and innovative in developing communications aimed at internal and external audiences

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid
• Occasional travel may be required for training or meetings.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate different time zones (Central/Eastern/Mountain/Pacific), if necessary.
• Be flexible for after-hours tasks, as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, based on business needs.

PowerSecure is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor. Operating Company: PowerSecure