POSITION FUNCTION/OBJECTIVE
Under the direction of the President and CEO the Director of Communications will develop, manage, and provide oversight for all activities related to internal and external Communications and marketing of programs or services. This position will provide supervision for the Communications Specialist and Key Accounts Specialist. This position will also work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop a departmental budget on an annual basis and will participate in executive staff and/or Board of Director meetings as required.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Within the limits approved by board policies, operating policies and procedures, approved work plans and budgets and specific delegation from the President & CEO, the Director of Communications assumes the core duties and responsibilities listed below:
- Responsible for development and updates to Cooperative operational policies and procedures pertaining to Communications and marketing. Will maintain full and complete knowledge for Cooperative’s policies and work rules assuring they are properly administered.
- Under the direction of the President & CEO, develops and executes strategic communications campaigns, objectives, policies and procedures with the goal of promoting the mission, values and interests of the Cooperative.
- Under the direction of the President & CEO, develops and executes strategic energy programs and services to promote economic development, key accounts, and development of commercial, industrial and residential relations.
- Provides supervision to the Communications Specialist related to internal and external communication and information programs including the member magazine/newsletter. Will also provide supervision for the Key Accounts Specialist ensuring our large commercial accounts have a direct line for communication with the cooperative. Responsible for conducting annual performance appraisals and developing annual goals and objectives which support the mission, vision, and values of the Cooperative.
- Prepares department budget and monitors progress and costs incurred in carrying out the budget. Responsible for the development of the Cooperatives annual communications plan, completes regular reports to ensure compliance with budgetary goals and objectives.
- Responsible for the selection, promotion, and if needed, the transfer, discipline and discharge of supervised employees subject the approval of the President/CEO. Reviews personnel actions for compliance with Cooperative policy. Recommends wage and salary adjustments for supervised employees subject to the approval of the President/CEO. Reviews and approves exception time sheets and paid time off requests.
- Directs, develops, and organizes all outreach activities and communications for member education and community relations. Will work closely with the President and CEO, and other members of the Executive team on matters that are sensitive in order to develop effective communication plans or strategies.
- Implements and oversees member engagement programs, e.g., bill round-up.
- Responsible for the development of marketing activity and communications to promote the continued and increased sale of electricity, use of special rates, rebates, and other customer services.
- Manage cooperative news conferences. Organizes conference activities, prepares media kit, pitches to news outlets.
- Researches, tracks, and remains up to date on public relations efforts of other Cooperatives and IOU’s. Scans media to monitor legislative efforts or other newsworthy information for the Cooperative.
- Develops and assists with creative content and design to ensure the production of high-quality, branded materials.
- Develops, reviews, and approves multimedia advertising, donations and event sponsorship commitments.
- Maintains supply of co-op branded promotional items and stationary, as identified within the annual budget.
- Conducts appropriate Cooperative member attitude and end-use surveys. Explores new programs and services that add-value and support the Cooperative’s mission.
- Attends, organizes, and participates in member-focused meetings, events, and other community outreach opportunities e.g. Annual Meeting, Hydro Plant open house.
- Is responsible for completion of the annual report and its distribution to members.
- Assures the cooperative adheres to notification standards for annual publishing’s and other regulatory notifications e.g. Statement of Nondiscrimination, Michigan Public Service Commission notifications.
- Updates the Bylaws pf the Cooperative when changes are made by vote of the membership; coordinates the print changes with Attorney and delivers the finished printed product to the appropriate distribution outlets.
- Provides management support and training opportunities to employees to assist them in providing optimum service to members. Coordinate public relations activities within the service area; may assist the Director of Safety or other departments in the presentation of educational and informative programs and demonstrations.
- Attends training, seminars, and or conference to maintain appropriate knowledge and updates within the electric industry as authorized. Ensures that the communications department receives proper training and/or remain up to date on cooperative practices.
- Supports the annual election process for the board of directors and any other board-related special projects as determined.
- Prepares and creates monthly Board reports and attends monthly Board meetings as requested. Responsible for providing presentations to the Board of Directors and other public entities/members as requested or directed.
- Participates on statewide and local committees as required or requested by the President and CEO. e.g. Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, EDC etc…
- In addition to these responsibilities, other duties as may be assigned by the President and CEO.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay. See Cloverland’s Employee Handbook for policies on exempt/salaried employees.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Marketing or other relevant course of study required.
- Three to five years of Supervisory or management experience in communications, marketing, or public relations required, three to five years of senior level management preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Basic understanding of Rural Utilities Service RUS distribution standards, National Electrical Safety Code NESC
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA regulations and other applicable codes and regulations.
- Basic knowledge of National Information Solutions Cooperative systems NiSC.
- Must be proficient in public presentations and professional communications.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent editing skills.
- A thorough working knowledge of desktop publishing, media communications techniques and marketing required. Demonstrated knowledge of HTML programming and Web site editor. A working knowledge of attitudinal research is desired.
- Must have a high level of accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and a strong commitment to the Cooperative.
- Must be able to work independently and able to supervise and manage people.
- Personal characteristics should include: attention to detail, positive attitude, ability to work with others as a team player, and diplomacy.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment typically at a desk with minimal physical exertion. At times may be required to provide face to face or onsite visits in the field. Position requires repetitive motions with hands and fingers for keyboarding. Must be able to work under deadlines. Travel is required, mostly within the cooperative’s service area. Occasional travel to trainings, seminars and/or conference outside the service area may be required. Must be willing to work outside of regular business hours, as needed. Must be “on call” for media as scheduled, especially in emergency or crisis situations. Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.
REPORTING AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
a Reports To: President & CEO
b Supervisory Authorities: Yes
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