(Sr.) Public & Media Relations Coordinator

Develops and executes strategic communications that protect and strengthen Nicor Gas’ reputation with media, regulators, legislators, community leaders, customers, employees and other key stakeholders. Provides public relations counsel and hands-on communications support for high-profile company priorities, including rate requests, regulatory proceedings, public policy issues, energy affordability, infrastructure investment, reliability, safety and the foundational role of natural gas in Illinois’ energy future.

Partners with Regulatory Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Customer Operations, Legal, External Affairs, business leaders and Southern Company Gas Corporate Communications to help ensure messaging is accurate, timely, aligned and understandable for a variety of audiences. The position requires the ability to translate complex regulatory, financial and technical information into clear, compelling narratives that support business objectives, build trust and help stakeholders understand the customer and community value of Nicor Gas’ investments.

Implements public relations plans with tactics including press releases, social media, special events, speaking engagements, media pitching, community outreach, earned media opportunities, shared media opportunities and more. Serves as a primary 24/7 media contact and company spokesperson. Also supports employee and executive communications as needed and directed by Sr. Manager of Corporate Communications.

Functional Expertise:

• Coordinate strategy development, positioning and write messaging for earned media including writing and distribution of approved press releases, media advisories and statements, talking points, social media posts, etc.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with regional and local media who cover the company and work to maximize accurate and balanced media coverage to deliver important information to external constituencies.
• Work closely with leaders to provide incident response to routine media inquiries as well as unanticipated events, controversial issues and other critical incidents.
• Serve as company spokesperson for both proactive and reactive media inquiries, earned media opportunities, etc.
• Identify opportunities to influence public perception through audience engagement and assist in developing plans and providing execution of social media messaging that drive website traffic, highlight community impact and manage brand awareness.
• Monitor and archive relevant media coverage and keep accurate records of media inquiries for internal reports.
• Provide planning and execution support as needed for media-facing events and executive speaking engagements.
• Train designated leaders on messaging and techniques for dealing with media interviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

Business Acumen:

• Ensure media and PR plans align with business unit objectives and are consistent with corporate goals.
• Position Nicor Gas executives as industry and subject matter experts with media.
• Track and analyze media coverage and communicate how coverage may potentially impact the company’s business.
• Implement or drive process improvements.
• Monitor trends and innovations in PR and media relations and keep a pulse on companies in the natural gas industry.

Engagement:

• Collaborate with business leaders and peers across the enterprise to achieve PR goals.
• Coordinate information sharing and communications activities with other departmental leads, business units, and other functional groups, including peers in Southern Company Gas.
• Role model honesty, respect, organizational values and fairness towards all.

Driving Results:

• Analyze media coverage to determine impact/outcomes of media strategy. Monitor progress against metrics/deliverables and create reports on key metrics.
• Increase digital/social media presence and grow engagement on various platforms.
• Hold self and others accountable for results.

Qualifications

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism/Media, Marketing or similar combination of education and work experience.
  
  

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or APR (Accredited in Public Relations) or ABC (Accredited Business Communicator) certification; Active role in industry organization such as PRSA or IABC.

Related Work Experience:

Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years.
  
  

Preferred:

• Core Public Relations, Media Relations, Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Official Spokesperson on camera.
• Executive communications experience: Speechwriting, presentation support, media training
• Experience in energy sector with a focus on regulatory and governmental affairs.
  
  

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Core public relations skills (drafting communication plans, writing press releases, drafting key messages, crisis communications, social media posts, etc.).
• Ability to translate complex concepts into easy-to-understand and relatable ones for target audiences.
• Exceptionally strong written skills with proficiency in AP Style; strong verbal skills; on-camera presence.
• Proficient use of various software applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Sprout, Monday.com, Agility
• Self-starter with exceptional follow-through skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines and business partners.
• Ability to hold self and others accountable for results.
• Enterprise perspective with client-focused attitude.
• Proven relationship-building skills at all levels within an organization.

Preferred:

• Core media relations skills (story pitching; relationship building; understanding of media role).
• Executive speechwriting, presentation and handling support experience.
• Keen understanding of calculating and reporting PR/media ROI.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Serves as 24/7 on-call company spokesperson for crisis response. Must be available for off-hour duties when necessary.
• Works in a hybrid office environment –four days a week in our Naperville office required.
• Due to nature of role, may occasionally work beyond traditional business hours to meet media deadlines or attend events as company representative.
• Occasional Travel (5-20% travel): Travel will be required on occasion. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights.

Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities .

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.