Director of Communications

Summary Description
:
The Director of Communications will lead a comprehensive owned- and earned- media communication strategy to increase awareness of the mission and impact of North Carolina’s 26 not-for-profit electric cooperatives, while also working collaboratively with the Brand Strategy (paid media) team.

An inspired leader and contributor, you will lead communication planning and execution through earned media outreach and across owned channels. In this visible position, you will serve as a key media contact, responding to inquiries and driving coverage of cooperative initiatives ranging from energy innovation to outage restoration and the impact cooperatives make in their communities. Working with cooperatives across the state, you will develop a strong understanding of evolving needs of co-op communicators statewide and create strategies and materials to support those needs.

You will also oversee and help promote community relations programs that bring benefits to cooperative communities in a variety of ways, including providing grants and scholarships to teachers and students.

Academic and Trade Qualifications
:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.

Work Experience
: 10+ years in a communications-based discipline, experience with media relations and enthusiasm for a fast-paced and collaborative work environment. Utility, cooperative and/or trade association experience is a plus, although not required.

Responsibilities
:

• Oversee corporate comms and community relations activities including:
  • Plan, execute and evaluate results on a multi-faceted communications strategy
  • Identify and evaluate key metrics.
  • Manage a team of 1-3 individuals for content creation on websites and social media.
  • Direct and expand media relations strategies, nurturing relationships with journalists and telling the story of how cooperative innovation, support for communities, economic development initiatives and new energy services benefit cooperative members, communities and our state.
• Direct community relations programs that provide grants, scholarships and support to rural teachers and students.
• With support from team and drawing from market research, create and implement communications plans to connect with electric co-op consumers and engage them on key issues for the industry and cooperatives.
• Provide strategic PR direction and communications counsel for 26 member cooperatives.
• Interact with media and serve as company spokesperson, executing proactive media outreach to strengthen the network of cooperatives’ position and reputation.
• Lead crisis and critical issue communication strategy planning and execution, with support from team and external public relations agency.
• Work together with teams across the organization, including marketing, market research, government affairs, economic development, HR and publications, to ensure communications strategies are integrated company wide.
• Maintain an understanding of industry, communication and consumer trends, as well as emerging issues that could impact cooperatives, and make recommendations regarding communication strategies surrounding them.

Job Knowledge
:
Knowledge of communication best practices and evolving trends. Familiarity with the media landscape in North Carolina. Experience developing crisis communication strategies. Comfort and skill in both broadcast and print media interviews.

Abilities and Skills
:

• A service mindset, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical implementation.
• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking and writing skills to represent the brand with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management ability.
• The ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment and solve complex problems/issues thoughtfully and under pressure.
• Ability to maintain message discipline within communications.

Relationships and Contacts
:
Reports to Vice President, Strategic Communications; manages 1-3 direct reports.

Working Conditions
:
Normal working conditions, including some travel and responsibilities outside of normal business hours. Includes working shifts during…