Manager, Communications

Job Description

Position Title: Manager, Communications

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Department/Location: Member & External Relations Bismarck, ND

Company: Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Position Purpose:

Responsible for strategic communications initiatives from concept to completion including written communications, photography, graphics, and web design. Serves as a key liason between the Communications/Strategic Planning and internal Basin Electric departments, external organizations, and member cooperatives by performing high-level communications work while managing a team.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for staff mentoring and professional development.

• Manage and assist in website redesigns, video presentations, coordinated communications package development, publications coordinating/editing, social media work, position paper writing, technical writing, and coordinating reports and publications.

• Responsible for communication related support to the Board of Directors during monthly board meetings, committee meetings, and special membership meetings.

• Remain current with news that may affect the Cooperative and its subsidiaries.

• Assist the VP of Strategic Planning/Communications as a Media Representative backup and supervise the preparation of media releases and talking points.

• Work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership to manage the development of talking points on strategic topics for the cooperative and facilitate the dissemination, proper use and cataloging of these communication pieces.

• Perform key writing duties for senior and executive leadership, Board of Directors and Cooperative committees by evaluating and providing advisory support on speeches, presentations, position papers, and media releases and responses to media inquiries.

• Develop and manage the implementation of comprehensive communication strategies and materials for high-level projects.

• Responsible for drafting white papers, development of comprehensive communications plans, and communications project management.

• May serve as the managing editor of Cooperative’s leading communications materials, including, but not limited to the annual report, publications, Board video, websites, and other high-profile materials assigned.

• Review department communications vehicles and make recommendations for improvement based on feedback from member and industry benchmarking, professional surveys, usage data, and statistics.

• Develop and administer written processes and procedures for communication staff to ensure consistent and accurate execution of duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

• Eight years of progressively responsible communications and writing experience.

• Experience in a leadership or supervisor capacity is preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and social media.

• Familiar with rural electric cooperatives and co-op philosophy, preferred.

• Excellent public speaking skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical content into clear and compelling messaging.

• Fundamental knowledge of graphic design and editing.

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint strong in photo editing, presentation development, web content management and have experience in desktop publishing.

• Flexible and skilled at adjusting to rapidly changing priorities.

• Able to successfully negotiate responses and bring consensus within diverse opinions; handle challenging issues with diplomacy and confidence.

• A valid driver’s license.

• Resume required.

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for personnel in this position. The incumbent is responsible for performing all duties in a safe and efficient manner in compliance with safe work procedures and safety regulations. Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement for this position.

Typical Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:

This position requires frequent sitting and standing/walking; and occasional reaching below and above shoulder level, use of keyboard/computer, bending, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, and pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. It also requires finger dexterity and hand coordination. This position requires good hearing and vision, and the ability to speak. It also requires the ability to develop plans, procedures and goals; present information to others; and work under stress to complete projects within deadlines. Travel up to 20% by car or plane, with some overnights.

Applicants interested in this opening should go to // to apply.