Senior Communications Specialist

Job Description:- The Senior Communications Specialist will be a key member of the Communications, Community Relations and Marketing team and requires a self-starting individual to lead cross-functional internal collaboration. This position will play a key role in developing compelling communications related to the industry-leading natural gas decarbonization efforts under the Minnesota Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA), investments in advancing cleaner energy technologies, and programs to enable customers to reduce emissions attributed to their personal energy use.

The position requires engagement through in-person activities with community members, as well as the development and management of print, digital and in-person engagement opportunities through various channels, including community and stakeholder outreach, web and media, and direct customer engagement.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as a Corporate Communications representative, providing strategic guidance, identifying effective tactics and evaluating results.
• Serves on the emergency response communications team on a rotational basis and occasionally after-hours and weekends. May work extensive hours during a crisis response.
• Develops and manages the production of a wide variety of communication materials, including web copy, news releases, fact sheets, articles, presentations, speeches, videos, emails, intranet articles, brochures, posters, digital signage, etc.
• Planning stakeholder and public engagement events, including developing materials, conducting notifications, managing logistics and compiling outreach reports.
• Staffing booths at community events and attending neighborhood, HOA and other community meetings.
• Develops and implements strategic internal and external communication plans. Includes developing key messages, strategies, timing and specific channels, and incorporating analytics and measurement for results.
• Works closely with Regulatory, NGIA implementation, Energy Sales, Government Affairs and other internal teams to maintain consistent messaging and support customer and stakeholder engagement.
• Leads thought leadership efforts for the company's Minnesota decarbonization and cleaner energy technologies, including white papers, LinkedIn articles, conference presentations, etc.
• Assists the web content team with the planning, implementation and maintenance web content.
• Collaborates with graphic designers, marketing specialists and social media team to produce attractive and effective communication materials.
• Develop notification letters and emails for customers, city staff, public officials, neighborhood associations, business associations, local newspapers and media outlets and other external stakeholders as needed for innovation.
• Serves as regional support for company social media accounts.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is required.

Required Experience

• 3-5+ years of communication experience.
• Can become or preferably is familiar with cleaner energy and natural gas industry terminology.
• Expertise in developing and executing communication strategies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Communications, Marketing, Regulatory, and NGIA implement teams throughout the organization.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to convey complex information effectively.
• Ability to read, interprets, use and discuss regulatory filings and documents.
• Experience within a matrix organization.
• A communications generalist and utility player with broad experience and the ability to flex and adapt to team and organizational needs