Head of Communications & Community Relations

Southside Electric Cooperative Inc; Crewe (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Southside Electric Cooperative Inc is seeking a senior communications leader to serve as chief storyteller and spokesperson. You will guide internal and external messaging, oversee crisis communications, and shape outreach to members and communities.

The role requires a track record in the utility sector, strong leadership, and the ability to translate complex electric utility topics into clear, compelling narratives that build trust and confidence across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
• 10+ years of utility-related work experience in a leadership communications role.
• 5+ years of management directing a marketing, communications or public relations function.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a spokesperson and leading communications through crises or high-impact events.
• Exceptional written, verbal, public speaking, media relations, and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Communications & Community Relations team with a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee internal and external communications strategy—timely, accurate, transparent, member-focused.
• Serve as primary spokesperson in media interviews, public forums, and high-pressure situations.
• Lead crisis and emergency communications during outages, storms, and other events.
• Shape SEC's storytelling to communicate value, purpose, and impact to members and communities.
• Advise executives on communications, reputation, emerging issues, and community relations.
• Collaborate with leaders to coordinate communication around major initiatives.
• Plan and oversee major member and public events (Annual Meeting, Member Advisory).
• Identify emerging issues and advise leadership; use data to guide decisions and measure impact.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis communications

Media relations

Strategic planning

Executive communication

Public speaking

Stakeholder relations

Reputation management

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications, or related field

Job description

Southside Electric Cooperative Inc is seeking a senior communications leader to serve as chief storyteller and spokesperson. You will guide internal and external messaging, oversee crisis communications, and shape outreach to members and communities.

The role requires a track record in the utility sector, strong leadership, and the ability to translate complex electric utility topics into clear, compelling narratives that build trust and confidence across stakeholders.