Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist is the Cooperative's principal writer and production manager for member-facing communications. This position writes, edits, and publishes content across the website, member email, social media, and the member newsletter; assists with timely delivery of outage, vegetation, and service notifications; coordinates outside vendors for all graphic, print, and signage production. The position administers the Communications Request process, partnering with departments across the Cooperative so communication needs are fulfilled accurately and on schedule. Strong writing and disciplined project management are the core of this role.

Models the TCEC Essential Attributes as a regular pattern of behavior and self-awareness. Inspires others to do the same.

• Write, edit, proofread, and publish member communications, news stories, website content, promotional materials, and notices. Produce the monthly member newsletter, Current Conversations, from draft through distribution. Assist with semi-annual reports, Annual Meeting communications, and other Cooperative publications.
• Create and distribute planned outage and vegetation notices, outage and emergency updates, bill messages, SmartHub notifications including iVue patch shutdowns and weather alerts, email campaigns, and app notifications. Coordinate communication updates during outages, emergencies, and service interruptions.
• Maintain and update website content, news articles, alerts, forms, and other digital communication resources to ensure information remains current and accurate.
• Develop, schedule, and publish social media content while maintaining a content calendar that supports communication priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Coordinate outside vendors for graphic design, printing, and signage production, managing specifications, proofs, timelines, quality, and budgets from project initiation through completion.
• Administer the Communications Request process by receiving, prioritizing, tracking, and communicating the status of communication requests while managing project timelines and stakeholder expectations.
• Partner with departments across the Cooperative to gather, verify, and communicate information that supports organizational goals, member engagement, community outreach, and Cooperative initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field preferred. Minimum of three years of professional writing and communications experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience writing and editing for a cooperative, utility, nonprofit, or similar organization preferred. Website and content management system experience required. Experience coordinating outside vendors for print and graphic production required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce, Canva, and digital communication platforms required. Experience with email marketing systems, app messaging tools, and website analytics preferred.

Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to produce accurate, high-quality communications. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, vendors, and projects simultaneously. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and perform effectively under time-sensitive situations, including outages and emergency communications. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team.

Position Title: Communications Specialist

Reports To: Public Affairs & Communications Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Financial Disclosure Required: No

Residency Requirement: Yes

Position Description Effective Date: July 2026

Tri-County Electric Cooperative is guided by ten Essential Attributes that define how we lead, collaborate, and serve with integrity, accountability, and trust. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting reliable electric service for the communities we serve.