Ready to power up your career? Join our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity & quality products at competitive prices. If you're ready to take your first step into a rewarding career in the utility industry with opportunities for professional growth, apply today.

About the role:

We are currently looking for a Senior Publications Writer who will assist the Vice President with the creation and implementation of a strategic, multi-faceted communications program designed to build and strengthen NOVEC's role and reputation as a leader and authoritative voice in its field. This position will be responsible for designing and developing effective, secure, and timely communications with customers, the media, and government officials. This position will also serve as the editor of all written communications assigned to the Public Relations Division on behalf of the company, as well as the lead writer, to provide accurate information of interest and value to NOVEC's customer-owners and the public at large regarding the company and its strategic objectives. Such communications may include but are not limited to news releases; articles for Cooperative Living magazine, annual reports, brochures, ad copy, website text, and social media.

Overview of the role:

• Serves as editor and the lead writer for the NOVEC pages of Cooperative Living magazine, as well as other external communications efforts such as news releases, brochures, and other special publications. Supports the NOVEC website and social media presence as a contributing writer and editor, ensuring that messages are factually accurate and AP Style Guide compliant. Provides timely information about the Cooperative, including its programs, services, employees, products, and services offered by its affiliates, policies, and procedures, as well as other identified topics of interest for NOVEC's customer-owners. Collaborates with the graphic designer and other PR staff to ensure professional, high-quality publication standards and all related deadlines are met.
• Monitors customer satisfaction data and assists in the development of comprehensive communications strategies to address key issues and topics of interest consistent with the survey data and the Cooperative's Strategic Plan.
• Serves as a primary media contact and spokesperson for general inquiries, news releases, and emergency/outage situations. Cultivates effective and positive business relationships with media representatives to facilitate balanced news reporting on issues and subjects related to the Cooperative and its customer-owners. Maintains an updated list of media contacts for personal use and is accessible for use by others on the PR team, as necessary.
• Maintains and utilizes the Cooperative's Crisis Communications Plan as necessary.
• Maintains the Cooperative's on-hold messaging system, ensuring that messages and background music are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
• Maintains effective working relationships with staff at other electric cooperatives, staff of the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, as well as with other related communications professionals.
• Maintains an awareness of local, state, and national current events and political actions with the potential to affect the Cooperative and its customer-owners, as well as the electric utility industry. Develops and adjusts communications strategies as may be appropriate to effectively reach the Cooperative's customer-owners regarding such issues.
• Serves as the final editorial authority for various internal communications, including those that appear on the NOVEC intranet and in the Cooperative Circuit employee newsletter. Ensures that messages are factually accurate and AP Style Guide compliant, meeting established professional, high-quality publication standards and all related deadlines. Researches and writes articles as required for internal communications purposes.
• Professionally represents NOVEC and maintains positive public relations through participation in business, political, community, and civic activities, as required. Helps to organize and promote the Cooperative's community sponsorships and support.
• Provides professional quality photography and video support throughout the organization, at business functions and company-oriented events, as required.
• Contributes to the achievement of division goals through participation in the planning and administration of the division budget and strategic plan, and by supporting team efforts to meet goals and objectives.
• Performs all other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five to seven years of related demonstrated experience in the communications field, which includes AP Style writing and editing, is required. Experience in media relations, photography, and social media is strongly preferred.

Professional Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated working knowledge of generally accepted business and communications strategies and practices
• Demonstrated ability to apply strong writing, editing, and overall communications skills to meet personal, division, and corporate goals
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization - in writing and through the spoken word
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and meet rapidly changing customer and business needs by quickly refocusing and realigning priorities, as well as strategic and operational direction
• Develops and maintains a practical knowledge and understanding of company policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Demonstrated proficiency with general computer operation and Microsoft Office applications
• Develops and maintains a thorough understanding of the cooperative business model and the rural electrification program's history, objectives, and achievements
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply generally accepted accounting principles and mathematical skills as may be required in the position.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and incentive plan
• Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center
• Survivor and Disability benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%
• Life insurance
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
• Educational Assistance
• Annual Company Events

NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not offer sponsorship or relocation for this position.

About Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is a locally based and locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 170,000 homes and businesses located in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park and the Town of Clifton (all in the state of Virginia).

Connections working at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative