Vice President of Communications

Nashville Public Radio; Greenville (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with 5% employer provision

Pension plan

Employer-paid health, dental, vision,和

Lump-sum HSA contribution

125 Plan FSAs

Employee Assistance Program

Holidays

Vacation

Personal Time

Educational assistance

Training and career development

Job summary

Southwestern Electric Cooperative seeks a strategic communications leader to join its senior leadership as Vice President of Communications. You will shape messaging for members, employees, and communities, and guide the organization's public narrative with clarity and purpose.

You'll serve as primary spokesperson, oversee media relations, crisis communications, and storytelling, and lead a team to deliver high-impact communications across publications, digital platforms, campaigns, and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
• 6–10 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading creative professionals and working closely with executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's communications strategy and messaging across channels.
• Serve as primary spokesperson, overseeing media relations, crisis and emergency communications, and storytelling.
• Oversee the communications team, content, platforms, campaigns, and budgets to deliver high-quality, member-focused communications.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Storytelling

Media relations

Education

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

Job description

Lead the strategy behind how a trusted electric cooperative communicates, connects, and earns confidence.

Southwestern Electric Cooperative is looking for a strategic communications leader who can help shape the future of our organization.

This is more than a communications role. As Vice President of Communications, you will serve as a member of Southwestern Electric's senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping how we communicate with our members, employees, and communities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, skilled storyteller, and confident leader. We are looking for an experienced communications professional who thinks beyond the next publication, campaign, or press release. You will help leadership anticipate challenges, navigate complex issues, strengthen our reputation, and communicate with clarity and purpose.

As Vice President Of Communications, You Will

• Lead and execute Southwestern Electric's communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent, and mission-driven messaging across all internal and external channels.
• Serve as the cooperative's primary spokesperson and communications advisor, overseeing media relations, crisis and emergency communications, and proactive storytelling.
• Oversee the communications team, content, and resources, including publications, digital platforms, campaigns, and budgets, to deliver high-quality, member-focused communications.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a strategic leader, not simply a communications practitioner.

The Successful Candidate Will Bring

• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills with strong editing and storytelling abilities.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to turn organizational objectives into actionable communication plans.
• Deep knowledge of marketing, branding, and public relations best practices.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• Six to ten years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading creative professionals and working closely with executive leadership.

We are built and led by the members we serve. Our members have a voice in how the cooperative is run, and we make sustainable investments in the community we share. Working for Southwestern Electric means serving your neighbors, family and friends. We all play an important role in keeping the lights on.

Benefits

Competitive compensation is just one aspect of our generous benefits package. At Southwestern Electric, we're invested in setting you up for success:

Financial

• 401k plan with 5% employer contribution
• Pension plan for retirement

Health and Wellbeing

• Employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Lump-sum contribution to employee HSA account each year
• 125 Plan Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

Paid Leave

• Holidays
• Vacation
• Personal Time

Professional Development

• Educational assistance
• Training and career development opportunities

At Southwestern Electric Cooperative, we offer more than just a job - we offer a fulfilling career where you can make a real impact. Join us in powering communities, driving innovation, and shaping the future of energy.