Communications Specialist

Are we RIGHT for you? The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork. Why join our team? Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) has been an industry leader since 1897. We promote professional and personal development in a work environment that is supportive and responsive. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation. Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, learning and development opportunities, employee assistance program, and more. To learn more, please visit Job Summary Responsible for coordinating and executing strategic communications initiatives for Middlesex Water Company and its family of companies. Works under the direction of the Communications Manager and/or Senior Director to develop and implement integrated communications strategies supporting corporate communications, employee communications, stakeholder engagement, community relations, investor relations, digital communications, crisis communications, and corporate social responsibility (CSR/ESG) initiatives. Utilizes modern communications tools, analytics, and content development techniques to support business objectives, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance corporate reputation. Plays a key role in protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation through effective storytelling, stakeholder engagement, executive communications support, digital content development, crisis communications readiness, and data-driven communications strategies. Work Performed Using graphic design and content creation platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Copilot), creates fact sheets, infographics, digital assets, flyers, presentations, announcements and multimedia content to support strategic communications objectives. Under the direction of the Director of Communications, assists in the creation of NJ and DE social media content calendars. Coordinates, develops, publishes and monitors social media content across Facebook, X, LinkedIn and emerging platforms in support of Enterprise’s digital communications strategy. Evaluates content performance through analytics and social listening tools to improve engagement, audience growth, brand awareness and stakeholder perception. Supports executive leadership social media presence, including content strategy, content development, posting, performance reporting, audience engagement monitoring and thought-leadership positioning. . Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) across digital communications channels and provides regular analytics reporting and recommendations to improve communication effectiveness and stakeholder engagement. Updates emergency communications contact and media lists for New Jersey and Delaware Serves as tertiary emergency and crisis communications contact, supporting rapid response communications, stakeholder notifications, municipal outreach and customer communications during emergency events. Research appropriate company awards and coordinates nomination drafting and submission. Maintains timely content and accurate postings on the Company intranet and internal communications platforms while supporting employee engagement initiatives, organizational communications, and change management efforts Assists as liaison with internal departments in support of their goals and production of customer-facing communications, e.g. customer notification efforts, violation notices, scripts, etc. On a quarterly basis Reviews corporate websites, microsites and intranet content quarterly and provides recommendations related to content accuracy, user experience, accessibility compliance, best practices and stakeholder engagement. Assists in creating a variety of communication vehicles designed to keep public informed of employer's programs, accomplishments or point of view. Coordinates photography, videography and multimedia content production for events, corporate initiatives, internal communications and social media channels. Supports public relations and stakeholder engagement activities to meet the needs and objectives of Middlesex and its subsidiaries, including media relations, community outreach, public events and company-sponsored initiatives. Administers the Company print on-line system, including training, document approvals and print additions. Administers the Company apparel site and coordinates periodic promotions. Supports requests from schools regarding speakers, participation in career fairs, etc. Assists in developing and promoting volunteer initiatives, community engagement programs and corporate citizenship activities that support company values and stakeholder relationships. Supports Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG reporting initiatives by coordinating stakeholder surveys, data collection, reporting timelines, disclosures and submission activities. Supports the Director of Corporate Affairs in monitoring and identifying legislation with potential to impact NJ and DE Companies and gathering company input for liaison with NJUA or other organizations. Assists in responding to municipal, investor, regulatory and community stakeholder inquiries while ensuring timely, accurate and consistent messaging. Maintains materials in Lobby, including updating the Lobby Display and slideshow Supports the Director of Communication in the development of employee communications and customer updates through research, interviews, writing, editing, design and multimedia storytelling techniques. Monitors Meltwater media service for public affairs issues impacting New Jersey and Delaware as well as act as the liaison between the Department and the account manager. In collaboration with VP Corporate Affairs and Sr. Director of Communications, reviews, approves or declines sponsorship or contribution opportunities to ensure proper alignment with overarching business goals. Assists in the development, design and review of executive presentations, public-facing materials and stakeholder communications to ensure message consistency and brand alignment. Assists with scripting, storyboarding, production and editing of enterprise video content supporting employee communications, customer communications, brand awareness and community engagement initiatives. Qualifications A Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university or 4 years of related experience or a combination of college and related experience that equals 4 years. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Canva and Excel. Experience with WordPress, SharePoint or other content management systems preferred. Experience with CapCut, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro or similar video editing software a plus. Familiarity with social media management, analytics and media monitoring tools such as Meltwater, Hootsuite or Sprout Social preferred. Experience utilizing AI-assisted productivity and content creation tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) strongly preferred. Experience interpreting communications analytics and developing reports that support data-driven decision making. Knowledge of water and wastewater operations is beneficial. Familiarity with social media platforms Professional demeanor Strong project management, organizational and presentation skills Able to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously. Comfortable with a variety of web-based tools, graphic software, etc. Familiarity with SEO principles, digital content optimization and website content governance. Collaborative mentality. Able to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to build strong relationships across departments and serve as a trusted communications advisor to internal stakeholders. Results driven, proactive and able to work independently. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $65,586 - $98,380 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, & vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire). 401(k) with company match. Company paid life and disability insurance. Paid time off and 12 paid holidays. Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities. ADA/Physical Requirements This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear, and must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and move about inside the office to access files, office machinery, and other work materials. This position requires constant operation of a computer and other office equipment such as printers, copiers, calculators, and telephones. The employee must have the ability to visually inspect and review hard copy and electronic documents. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the time and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Use of written, verbal, and auditory communication and information sources is required to perform job duties effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions. Pay Transparency This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements. Equal Employment Opportunity Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicant Communication Please note: No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr Water Otter Job Board