Communications Specialist (Experienced)

Job Title: Communications Specialist Department: Communications Reports To: Chief Communications Officer

SUMMARY

Plans and conducts member and employee communication programs designed to create and maintain positive relationships for the Cooperative by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and directs development and communication of information designed to inform internal and external audiences about the Cooperative's programs, accomplishments, or point of view. Arranges for and conducts public contact programs designed to meet the Cooperative's objectives. Produces video, photography, and online and social media content. Prepares and distributes content such as news releases, photographs, scripts, video, or audio recordings about the Cooperative's activities or message. Promotes goodwill through such publicity efforts as community presentations, speeches, exhibits, video, tours, and questions/answer sessions. Represents Cooperative during community projects and at public, social, and business gatherings. Researches data, creates ideas, writes copy, develops artwork, contacts media representatives, or represents Cooperative directly before general public. Produces or coordinates production of corporate messaging and promotions. Purchases advertising space and time as required. Develops ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of the cooperative and its products or services. Creates press releases, articles, presentations and other communications efforts to promote the Cooperative and educate members and employees. Serves as liaison with outside communication consultants, copywriters, and advertising agencies. Provides direction to third-party agencies and guides the creative process. Maintains computer database of media contacts. Coordinates internal communications programs such as cooperative intranet, employee newsletter and special events. Produces content and layout for local pages in monthly magazine.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in marketing, communications, agriculture communications, journalism, graphic design or other communication-related degree from a four-year college or university, and one-year related experience preferred; OR technical or associates degree and one-to-three years related experience; OR high school diploma and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as military service.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally travel to fulfill the essential job duties and requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Duck River Electric Membership Corporation