SUMMARY

The Communications & Marketing Specialist shall be responsible for the general management and coordination of the organizational duties related to public relations, communications programs designed, marketing, and digital publications to actively promote the cooperative. The incumbent will write copy for various mediums and assist in the creation of collateral materials, including illustrative/graphics/visuals for use in a range of marketing functions.  Responsible for the administration of policies covering the broad field of public relations activities, including advocating for legislation, rules, regulations, and actions favorable to the organization and its members. This position will play an integral role in building and engaging the cooperative’s membership with the creation of effective strategies that will promote the long-term growth of the cooperative.

COMMUNICATIONS

NOTE: The following are the major responsibilities of this position.  They are not intended to cover each aspect of the position, as the scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of the cooperative. The basic requirement of every position is to perform all tasks as assigned by your supervisor.

• Plan and execute internal and external communication efforts utilizing, but not limited to, newsletters, press releases, brochures, website, social media, business visitation, and event planning.
  • Newsletter: Serve as lead on the development of the cooperative newsletter, creating an annual editorial calendar and assigning, writing, and editing stories as needed.
  • Print Materials: Assist in the creation of captivating flyers, brochures, handouts, and direct mail pieces.
  • Digital Assets: Assist in the creation of digital assets such as program logos, graphics, illustrations, and animations for use in marketing and communications initiatives.
• Manage digital marketing (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) for member-consumer audience, as well as craft social media posts.
  • Social Media: Create and post engaging content to cooperative social media channels, monitor social media mentions and presence, and respond to member inquiries as needed.
  • Website Management: Review and update website content regularly.
  • Video Production: Assists with the production of information and educational videos for use on social media and other channels.
• Responsible for communications to the membership about events happening in their territory i.e. tree trimming, pole and cabinet testing.
  • Youth Outreach Programs: Administer cooperative Youth Tour and college scholarship programs.
  • Special Events: Assist with event planning, promotion, and staffing to include the annual meeting, member appreciation events, home and trade shows, and community outreach events.
• Help establish and maintain consistent corporate brand messaging and imaging across all mediums.
• Monitor local, regional, statewide, national, and trade media for news, issues, and trend articles related to patient engagement, adherence, and other relevant topics to the electric utility industry.

MEMBER & PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Develop interactive relationships with community, civic, and governmental bodies, and elected officials to broaden the co-op’s public relations base.
• Participate in activities, shows, displays, presentations, and other events.
• Identify the needs/issues of the communities in the cooperative’s service area.
• Periodically attend community meetings, reporting to them on activities and cooperative initiatives in their community and area.
• Represent the cooperative in governmental, grassroots, community, and professional organizations.
• Maintains a professional working relationship with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, as well as other utility and business partners.
• Help promote cooperative efficiency and load control programs, such as Switch Makes Cents.
• Assist with provisioning of DCU switches.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in front desk duties. i.e. answering phones, providing customer service to members.
• Promote and support the cooperative’s mission and values.
• Foster a safe working environment by exemplifying, communicating, and abiding by safety rules and policies.
• Monitor progress and costs incurred in carrying out departmental work plans and budgets.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage a range of responsibilities and competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills as well as exceptional listening skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and business acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to write engaging, professional pieces tailored to an objective in a variety of formats.
• Strong editing skills
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, primarily InDesign, preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or Marketing or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Typical relevant experience is 3 – 5 years.
• Ideal candidate would have economic development experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to Manager of Administrative – Keeps the Manager of Administration informed concerning work in progress and completed and consults with the Manager of Administration concerning problems that hinder efficient completion of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, stretching, and repetitive motions of the hands and fingers such as keyboarding.  The operation and use of various types of standard office equipment and machinery is required.  Occasional operation of a company vehicle maybe required.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Minimal exposure to varying temperature conditions including cold below 32 degrees and heat above 100 degrees. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outdoor work required in a variety of weather conditions in addition to normal office working conditions.  Occasional work outside of normal work hours will be required. Some overnight travel for meetings.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions.  It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Nishnabotna Valley REC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

About Nishnabotna Valley REC

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