Objectives

Manage and direct the Cooperative’s Public Relations, Legislative Affairs, and Economic Development opportunities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are essential functions of this position and not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the incumbent, and an employee may be directed to perform other reasonably related job duties and responsibilities.

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative reserves the right to revise or change the job duties and responsibilities as the need arises, based on business need, and this position description may be updated accordingly.  This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead and direct the daily operations of the Public Relations department
• Develop and manage the Public Relations Department budget, including the Cooperative’s donations to nonprofits and civic organizations
• Develop and implement the Cooperative’s Strategic Communications Plan to enhance and maintain the Cooperative’s image and positive perception among members, employees, media, government officials, and the public
• Serve as the Cooperative’s spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO), including during times of crisis, and serves on the Emergency Response Team
• Represent the Cooperative and consistently communicate its mission, values, goals, and role in the region
• Monitor Member Satisfaction and develop and implement strategies for improvement
• Manage the production of all copy, content, and graphics used by the cooperative for the advancement of its goals, the education of its members, and the promotion of its services, products, and policies, including all forms of traditional and digital media
• Maintain a departmental calendar of electrical safety demonstrations, outreach activities, including community events, workshops, appearances, and other communication opportunities representing the Cooperative
• Maintain and establish relationships with collaborative partners throughout the service territory, including nonprofits, businesses, key accounts, and government agencies
• Directs and coordinates public and legislative affairs of the Cooperative, including the tracking of legislative and regulatory intelligence, operating grassroots campaigns, coordinating ACRE, and managing positive relationships with local, state, and federal legislators, stakeholders, and officials
• Coordinates the interdivisional Economic Development Team, and seeks opportunities for the attraction, retention, and expansion of key accounts
• Manage the communication efforts and logistics of the Annual Report, Annual Meeting, and all other member or public-facing events or communication campaigns of the Cooperative
• Coordinate the Cooperative’s participation in various programs for the membership, including Youth Tour and Cooperative Connections
• Manage direct report(s) and provides leadership and mentorship for their performance and personal growth
• Assists in the support of member services

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minor in journalism, marketing, communications, or related field is required. Other fields of study will be considered in conjunction with relevant experience and background.  Courses in communications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be or become a Certified Cooperative Communicator (CCC) within 3 years. Must develop a strong working knowledge of the cooperatives policies and procedures. Must have good written and oral communication skills, organizational and presentation skills, and the ability to meet and deal with members, potential members, and the general public in a professional and courteous manner.

 Physical Requirements  

• Required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Some walking, standing, sitting, reaching and bending. Works in a clean, well-lighted, heated and ventilated office.  Must be willing to attend and participate in meetings of the Cooperative or associated organizations outside of regular office hours.

Working Conditions

Typical office job.  Essentially desk work.

About Northern Neck Electric Cooperative

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) is located in Warsaw, Virginia on the Northern Neck peninsula. NNEC is member-owned and serves the Virginia counties of Lancaster, Richmond, Westmoreland, Northumberland, King George, and a small portion of Stafford with over 20,000 meters and over 2,100 miles of line. NNEC has a staff of 54 employees that handle the distribution of electricity to homes and businesses. Homes and farms comprise the majority of members for NNEC with less than 5% industrial load. NNEC is a short drive from most of the big Mid-Atlantic cities including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Washington, DC. The Northern Neck peninsula is surrounded by the Potomac River, Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay and offers stunning scenery and historical landmarks.

Connections working at Northern Neck Electric Cooperative