Job Summary (Overall Purpose of the Position)
The Communications Specialist provides assistance to the Director of Corporate Communications & Government Affairs (DCC) and other Departments related to internal and external communications. The Communications Specialist is responsible for the timely production of recurring employee and customer communication products, to include Current Comments, Shop Talk, the Annual Report, and various brochures and inserts. Additionally, the Communications Specialist provides creative assistance in strategizing and creating content for various informational campaigns and provides communications backup for the DCC during prolonged outage periods, or during the DCC's absence. Finally, the Communications Specialist assists the DCC in communicating change management initiatives throughout the company and assists the DCC with certain Government Affairs activities.
Job Duties - Responsibilities – Tasks
- Write, design, and format Midwest Energy’s “Current Comments” for printing and publication. Coordinate with the printer to ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness in delivery of the publication.
- Gather information, write, design, and format Midwest Energy’s internal weekly publication, “Shop Talk.” Work with the Executive Assistant to ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness in delivery of the publication.
- Develop, design, and update Midwest Energy brochures and inserts. Gain appropriate department approval and ensure that brochures are meeting requirements as set forth by various compliance agencies. Coordinate printing with printers. Review and maintain brochures, inserts and related materials to ensure that content is current and relevant.
- Maintain employee photo file. Take pictures of new employees and coordinate photos for the Employee Directory. Maintain a file of photos from field events, off-site events, and portraits. Gather photos from both internal and external resources. Organize and maintain the photo file. As assigned, assist the DCC in taking job-site photos.
- Create and produce various advertisements, periodicals, and communication products. Responsibilities include scripting, storyboarding, recording, and distributing monthly radio and annual TV commercials.
- Create weekly or twice weekly updates to social media. Assist in responding to Social Media customer queries during outages, energy emergencies and other exceptional events, as directed by the DCC. This duty is carried out on an as-needed basis and only when directed to do so by the Director.
- Update, maintain, and upgrade Midwest Energy’s internet and intranet websites. Coordinate with internal sources for guidance and consistency in maintaining the company’s internet and intranet websites.
- Maintain supply of Midwest Energy promotional items. This includes routine inventory of items and ordering items.
- Record, schedule, and archive routine and emergency Outage IVR calls to customers.
- Schedule, draft and release mass text messages sent to customers and employees for energy emergencies and planned outage events.
- Assist with queries and sales calls from various media representatives; make recommendations to DCC regarding special news publications and sections.
- Assist in representing Midwest Energy at various events, including customer meetings, Chamber of Commerce Chamber events, civic group meetings, etc.
- Provide creative assistance in strategizing and creating content for various informational campaigns.
- Assist the DCC in communicating change management initiatives throughout the company.
- Assists the DCC with certain Government Affairs activities.
- Promote safe working habits and enforce all safety rules and regulations of Midwest Energy, Inc. Lead by example in safety compliance and take corrective action on safety violations, defective equipment, and any other practice that may adversely affect a safe working environment.
- Keep informed regarding new developments, trends, and best practices in relevant field. Recommend changes, initiatives, etc. to management for effective processes and procedures within the company.
- Keep apprised of changes and developments in pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules, and take appropriate action to stay in compliance with said rules, regulations, etc.
- Develop and maintain internal and external working relationships for maximum effectiveness in serving Midwest Energy customers and communities. Ensure communication and exchange of information so as to present a positive corporate image, both internally and externally. Keep management informed of issues that might impact the work environment.
Education and Experience
- Post-secondary education in business, communications, newswriting, graphic design, or similar area required.
- Intermediate level of expertise in Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Intermediate level of expertise in Adobe products required. This includes: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition and Acrobat Pro.
- Intermediate knowledge of Associated Press Style and Usage Guide required.
- Two years of experience in general office support with an emphasis in corporate communications, publication design and layout preferred.
- Will accept commensurate combination of experience and education in lieu of requirements above.
Key Competencies
1. Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
2. Excellent customer relations skills.
3. Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
4. Ability to prioritize work, specifically in a multiple department support role.
5. Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff.
6. Ability to adapt to fast-paced and rapidly changing technology-driven environment.
7. Self-motivated and self-starter in carrying out duties, responsibilities, and tasks.
8. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
9. Ability to review data and determine effective tracking, logging, and record keeping of data.
Posting Close Date: October 17, 2022
