Communications Manager

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of IRD and in collaboration with the General Manager, creates, develops, coordinates and implements community and public relations strategies that advance RMLD’s goals with key external and internal customers. 

Illustrative Work Activities:

Essential work activities, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following.  Other related duties may be assigned.

  • Composes correspondence, media messages, articles, press releases, announcements, presentations and other oral/written communications to meet RMLD’s outreach needs.
  • Identify and shape digital and social media strategy and initiatives.
  • Coordinates and sustains all aspects of external communications, including news media relations, a diverse array of print/electronic publications, web site, and social media initiatives.
  • Responsible for the photography needs of RMLD. 
  • Plans, implements and coordinates RMLD’s marketing and public relations programs.
  • Responsible for the development and promotion of marketing strategies, targeted outreach programs, and other applicable services in order for RMLD’s customers to meet demand and energy reduction goals that benefit the customer as well as support the optimization of the electric system and power supply portfolio.  Keep senior management informed of public concerns and requests.
  • Establishes and maintains positive external relationships with individuals, businesses, and community-based organizations that support RMLD’s outreach efforts.
  • Acts as a liaison with the media including “Storm Liaison”.
  • Prepare and coordinate all RMLD special events and functions for external customers including visits, tours, presentations and meetings.  (Examples include Public Power Week events, Business Expo, Boy/Girl Scouts, Senior Center events, etc.).
  • Represent RMLD at community events (i.e. tree lighting ceremony, health and science fairs, Family Day, etc.)
  • Reviews, maintains and evaluates the budget for the marketing and community relations functional area.
  • Assists with the development, implementation, monitoring, and revisions of policies and procedures relating to the marketing and community relations functional area.
  • Responsible for updating and maintaining the Community Relations portion of RMLD’s website.
  • Attend RMLD Board of Commissioners and RMLD Citizens’ Advisory Board meetings on an “as needed” basis for public relations related items. 
  •  Coordinate the distribution of media coverage of RMLD Board meetings to all cable stations that RMLD serves.
  •  Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications and Essential Skills & Requirements

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations or related field as determined by RMLD.  Excellent verbal and writing skills.  Excellent ability to make presentations and communicate with the public under stressful conditions.  Demonstrated knowledge, or capable of learning, technical aspects of utility operations in order to communicate with the press, RMLD customers, and employees.  Strong computer skills, including internal and external web updates, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and desk top publishing.  Ability to multitask, prioritize and complete assigned projects in a fast paced environment. 

 

        Experience:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a community/public relations or marketing/marketing communications capacity with heavy emphasis on the use of interpersonal skills (i.e. tact, diplomacy, patience, etc.)  Experienced in making public presentations, answering questions and overcoming objections. 

 

Judgment and Initiative:

Ability to recognize the impact of various events, policies, procedures that reflect on the image of the RMLD from the perspective of a distinct group of customers.  Must understand implications of political interaction working in a municipal utility context.  Must be able to offer ideas that may enhance the Department’s public image. 

 

Independent Action:

Ensure that departmental information, (i.e. educational programs, etc.) is properly disseminated using existing policies, procedures, and programs.    Ability to take responsibility, make decisions and operate under minimal supervision.

 

Manual Skills:

 Strong typing skills.  Ability to operate computers, scanners, printers and other related equipment and tools in the performance of this position.

 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform slight physical activity requiring lifting, carrying, setting up materials and equipment for public displays, seminars, training, and meetings.  Ability to travel to local events.

 

Supervisory:

Demonstrated capability for providing functional supervision over other employees in same or closely related positions where scope of supervisory responsibility is limited to occasional direction, guidance, explanation, etc.

 

License:

Valid MA Class D license is required.

 

Other:

Other duties as assigned.