Content Specialist Job at American Public Power Association in Arlington

Job Type

Full-time

Description

At the American Public Power Association (APPA), we serve as the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. We advocate and advise on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve!

At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Content Specialist who will play a crucial role in shaping the association's content and member engagement strategy. The Content Specialist is responsible for producing and editing content, coordinating the production process for publications, and ensuring the effective dissemination of information to our members and stakeholders.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of two to three days each week (with Tuesdays being a mandatory day).

• Produces high-quality written and multimedia content, including newsletter and magazine articles, and media collateral.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts, members, and other stakeholders on content development.
• Collaborates on the communications, marketing, and publications content calendar to ensure timely and relevant content delivery.
• Organizes and executes the end-to-end production process for association publications, including reports, Public Power magazine, and newsletters.
• Under the guidance of the News Director, acts as a regular contributor and main production editor for the association's daily newsletter.
• Coordinates with external vendors, designers, and printers to ensure timely and high-quality publication delivery.
• Proofreads and edits web content, publications, and white paper/reports to maintain high standards of accuracy and clarity, ensure adherence to style guidelines, and support a consistent brand voice on all association content.
• Monitors member communications and news to help in identifying story ideas.
• Tracks the performance of communications efforts using relevant metrics and analytics tools. Supports data collection, cleanup, and entry of member and reader engagement activities across various systems.
• Provides regular reports and insights to improve communications and develop strategies for audience segmentation and targeting through the association publications.
• Working with the Director of Content Strategy, conducts periodic content audits and gap analyses across all communications platforms.
• Implements web and digital content governance guidelines based on content audit recommendations.
• Works across departments and with external partners to align content efforts with organizational goals.
• Responds to relevant inquiries and requests from members, stakeholders, and the public through phone calls, emails, and association community groups.
• Assists the Membership & Marketing team in evaluating and distributing marketing material, with an eye toward best practices, audience needs/expectations, and the association brand.
• Helps with approval and collection of advertising and other collateral (such as member photos) for use in APPA publications and digital platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in print and digital media coordination, content writing and editing, and publication management.
• Understanding of various audience needs, preferences, and priorities.
• Ability to gather and translate complex technical information into reader-friendly language.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in using content management, email marketing, project management, and other digital communications systems and platforms.
• Understanding of user experience and strong search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) skills.
• Familiarity with analytics platforms and ability to discern meaningful results.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Creative mindset and the ability to generate innovative ideas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the electric utility and/or energy industry is a plus.
• Experience with developing data visualizations and working with creative/design teams a plus.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, APPA offers a robust benefits package to include a comprehensive health and wellness package, 20 days of PTO accrued in the first year, 401(k) match and additional contributions, and more!

APPA is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment pertains to our internal policies and staff expectations, but also extends out to the wider public power community. As part of our strategic plan, we aim to assist members in meeting workforce challenges-including attracting and retaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture-through offering educational programs, developing resources, and serving as a platform for the public power community to exchange ideas and best practices.