Community Engagement Specialist

OVERVIEW The Community Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the Cooperative’s public image and fostering positive relations with both internal and external audiences. This role involves planning and managing public relations initiatives, organizing community engagement programs, and ensuring consistent messaging aligned with REC’s mission and values. The Specialist will collaborate with internal teams, manage public-facing events, and assist with communications, including crisis management. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Public Relations Plan, develop and coordinate projects and programs to increase public and employee understanding and acceptance of Cooperative policies, procedures, services and goals. Plan and administer community programs to keep REC’s members and the public informed about services, activities, and events affecting them and their cooperative. Administer the planning, coordination and execution of Community Scholarships, sponsorships, and goodwill donations, which includes annual review and recommendations for evolving/maintaining the programs. Facilitate community scholarships, goodwill and sponsorship donations. Coordinate and implement community involvement activities, programs and events in partnership with the regional offices' Directors of Operations and Construction and Directors of Member Services and Community Relations. Collaborate with regional offices and other departments to promote positive public relations and increase awareness of the Cooperative in support of strategic goals. Collaborate with the department staff to develop, plan, and coordinate activities that increase public and employee awareness, understanding, and acceptance of REC policies, procedures, services, and goals. Assist with maintaining positive relations with community leaders. Maintain an awareness of local, state, and national current events and their impact concerning matters of interest to the C Cooperative and the electric industry. Prepares timely reports on Public Relations programs and activities for departmental and corporate use. Recommend program and policy changes associated with Public Relations programs. Contribute to achieving departmental goals through participation in planning and administration of department budget and strategic plan and by supporting team efforts. Support promotions of REC’s community programs including scholarships, Youth Tour, The Power of Change and Project Big Heart. Professionally represent the Cooperative, enhance the Cooperative’s image, and maintain positive public relations through active participation in business, community and professional organizations. Collaborate with the department staff and other departments to implement the Cooperative’s community involvement and outreach strategy to keep REC’s members and the public informed about services, activities and events affecting them and their cooperative. Monitor ongoing public relations activities and develops and propose appropriate modifications as needed. Serve as the liaison between offices in an effort to share information between the regions, and plan for community involvement activities and initiatives. Work with the Managing Director and Director to obtain interpretations of policies and procedures, understanding of expectations, interpretation of corporate objectives, and REC’s position on legislative and public policy matters, and approval of goals, plans and budgets. Work together with members of the Communications and Public Relations department as a team to provide the highest level of customer service in support of the department’s goals and objectives. Maintain good rapport with all employees to facilitate a consistent flow of information between departments. Communication Support & Content Management Assist with the creation, coordination, and implementation of the Communications and Public Relations department’s annual strategic plan and budget. Provide content for various REC publications and digital communications that support and promote employee activities at REC’s regional offices, including photography to document community involvement and events. Produce and submit timely media releases regarding company events, activities and employees. Prepare written communications and presentations regarding REC’s programs and activities. Assist with social media content creation, as well as posting and monitoring REC’s social media channels as part of the departmental rotation. Proofread and edit communication materials produced by the department to ensure accuracy and alignment with REC’s branding and messaging guidelines. Assist in monitoring REC’s websites to confirm accuracy and appropriateness of information, links, and interactive programs. Plan and execute communications and internal engagements for The Power of Change program. Acquire and maintain skills and abilities required to perform assigned tasks. Assist the Managing Director and Director in coordinating branding efforts and community involvement as it relates to the regions, and keep communications frequent and open. Provide information within the organization between the regional office and the public relations department, as required to ensure consistent and up-to-date information. Event & Project Coordination Support internal and external event such as coordinating volunteers and event staff, coordinating logistics, and preparing informational communications to staff and volunteers for activities. Assist in the planning and production of the Cooperative Annual Meeting and other member and employee-facing events. Assist in the development of displays and exhibits for REC programs and services at home shows, fairs, festivals, etc. Plan and coordinate of the Cooperative’s participation in trade shows, expositions, and other community events in order to keep REC members and its publics informed about services, activities and events affecting them and their cooperative. Plan and organize meetings for both internal teams and external contacts. Member Relations Serve as a back-up to others in the department by communicating with members and the general public to provide general information to REC members regarding products, services, power outages, and other inquiries. Actively participate in community, civic, and business activities to promote the cooperative’s goals and maintain positive relationships with members and stakeholders. Provide informational and educational presentations about Cooperative activities, issues, products, and services. Perform other duties as assigned. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Travel to seminars QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Human Resources, or a related field required. Must have at least three (3) years of experience in public relations related field. Must have the ability to work closely with community stakeholders, local organizations, and REC’s internal team to execute public relations strategies. Must be proficient at communication and problem-solving by initiating and sharing information, identifying potential problems and engaging the right people to address them. Must have the ability to work closely with other departments, including Communications and Community Relations, to promote and highlight REC’s corporate citizenship and volunteer efforts. Must be skilled in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of community programs. Must possess strong event planning and execution skills, particularly for large-scale community events that involve public engagement and corporate visibility. Must have strong PR and media relations skills, with experience managing community events and public-facing initiatives. Must have experience in managing public-facing communications and coordinating efforts to ensure a positive public image for REC. Must have proven experience in managing multiple community outreach programs and volunteer initiatives. Must have strong organizational and time management skills to ensure smooth coordination of events across REC’s service territory. Must have the ability to align PR initiatives with REC’s strategic goals and mission. Must be proactive in identifying and recommending enhancements for existing programs to increase their effectiveness and impact. Must possess strong writing, editing, communication, and proofreading skills to support staff in the department. Must have the ability to work effectively with internal departments and the Communications and Public Relations department. Must have the ability to maintain good rapport with REC employees and management. Must have the ability to assist the Managing Director and Director of Communications and Public Relations when necessary. Must have the ability to navigate sensitive issues, handle confidential matters, and address concerns with empathy and tact. The successful candidate must demonstrate a desire to learn and advance within the Cooperative. This individual must be a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively across teams. The position requires strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, a high degree of mathematical accuracy, and the ability to analyze, process, and reconcile complex accounting transactions. The candidate must be able to manage multiple projects, organize work effectively, meet critical deadlines, and make decisions confidently. The ability to clearly explain accounting concepts to individuals without an accounting background is also required. Candidates must have working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Rural Utilities Service (RUS) accounting, computerized accounting systems, and general office procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accounting systems, and other technology required for the position is essential. Most work will be done at the Fredericksburg office with some at district offices or in the field under any weather conditions. Occasional travel for activities at other offices and community events. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; flexibility in work hours is required, especially during media events, crisis communications, or emergencies. In cases of outages or emergencies, work availability may be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hiring Range: $74,355 -$98,520 *The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. #J-18808-Ljbffr