Sr Communications Specialist

NiSource Careers; Columbus, Cleveland (OH, OH); On-site; USD 67,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Communications Specialist/Lead to drive effective communication strategies across multiple channels. This role requires a strong foundation in written, verbal, and visual communication, along with project management skills. You will collaborate with various departments to create impactful messaging, support crisis communication efforts, and ensure alignment with company values. If you are a self-starter with a passion for storytelling and a knack for building relationships, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values inclusion and diverse perspectives while contributing to meaningful community engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in a professional setting with strong communication skills.
• Self-starter, organized, detail-oriented, tech-savvy, team player.

Responsibilities

• Develop communication plans using all channels.
• Provide strategic counsel to leaders and assess audience needs.
• Manage content calendars and evaluate communication effectiveness.

Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Visual Communication

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Storytelling

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in PR

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content Management Systems

Graphic Software

Job description

Description

Job Summary
The Communications Specialist/Lead job family leverages strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills to strategically manage and execute effective communication plans supporting NiSource's business strategy across seven operating companies. They understand customer and stakeholder needs and develop strategies across all channels. The team collaborates with senior leaders and provides 24/7 crisis communication support.

Senior Communications Specialists work within specific functions:

Corporate Social Responsibility
Supports national giving, grants, employee engagement, philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, community development, and public affairs. Supports the NiSource Charitable Foundation, ensuring activities align with company values and goals, and develops metrics to evaluate programs.

Internal Communications
Supports internal strategies by creating employee materials, supporting town halls, and producing executive videos, ensuring alignment with company values.

External Communications
Supports external messaging, including press releases, speeches, media points, web content, and social media, tracking effectiveness and aligning with company values.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate across departments to resolve issues and drive projects.
• Develop communication plans using all channels.
• Build relationships to support enterprise and local strategies.
• Provide strategic counsel to leaders.
• Drive message delivery across channels.
• Identify improvements to streamline processes.
• Employ storytelling and multimedia techniques.
• Manage content calendars, create materials, review internal meeting content.
• Develop and oversee channel strategies using data and best practices.
• Assess audience needs and develop tailored strategies.
• Use metrics to evaluate communication effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, PR, or related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in a professional setting with strong communication skills.
• Ability to assess needs and deliver communication activities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with project management abilities.
• Self-starter, organized, detail-oriented, tech-savvy, team player.
• Proficiency in software for graphics, spreadsheets, documents, databases, PDFs.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Understanding of AP Style.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7-9 years of experience in communications.
• Experience with content management systems.

Note: This description is not exhaustive of all duties.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Workplace Connection

Value inclusion, respect diverse perspectives, create a positive environment, and respect cultural differences.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource provides equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information, citizenship, or other protected status.

Additional Notes

Applying may consider you for other opportunities.

Safety Statement

Participate in safety programs, report hazards, support a safety culture, and promote good work habits.

Salary Range

$67,900 - $101,900

Posting Dates

Start: 2025-05-01

End: 2025-05-15

Note: The posting closes the day before the end date.

Summary

Supports crisis communications planning, state communication priorities, and enterprise governance activities.