Communications Specialist

Job Description

SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist researches, writes, plans and participates in the day-to-day operations of AEC’s communication efforts. This position will provide support for the cooperative’s overarching communication goals of program transparency and increasing awareness of AEC, our mission, programs, and procedures among our core target audiences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for creating, writing and editing content for articles and newsletters for AEC internal and external Communication
• Observe and follow established practices in the AEC style and branding guidelines
• Knowledgeable and fluent in AP style guidelines for grammar and citations in creative writing
• Provides content and assistance with AEC’s Social Media platforms, photography and online products
• Create and develop ad copy for assigned advertisement and marketing projects
• Responsible for researching stories, writing articles, designing content and assisting with the publishing of AEC’s section of the Tennessee Magazine, AEC’s member newsletter and the Hotline internal newsletter
• Provide creative writing, design and editing for special projects and publications to appropriately deliver AEC’s message
• Responsible for providing communication input to member surveys, and other engagement with membership that requires strategic communication messaging
• Participate in Member Services events including but not limited to annual meeting, festivals, fairs, home shows, and other special events.
• Assist in creating and executing a digital archive record of paper documents providing electronic access to historic records.
• Engage with peers at other electric cooperatives and agencies to exchange ideas and concerns to better serve AEC members
• Available as needed outside of normal work hours to assist during emergency or outage situations
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and insurable driving status
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as required
• Perform all duties in accordance with established AEC safety and personnel policies

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of communications or business is desired
• Minimum 12 months of relevant work experience is required
• A portfolio of work samples is required
• Bilingual/Spanish is a plus

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work effectively with all departments of the Cooperative and supporting agencies
• Work with the VP of Member Services to meet departmental goals
• Able to work independently or in a collaborative team culture
• Ability to speak and write effectively and clearly to cooperative members and employees
• Meet and follow established written and oral communication guidelines
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks and assignments to ensure meeting deadlines
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Programs
• Experienced in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Maintain confidentiality regarding AEC proprietary information and other department information
• Exhibit a high level of professionalism, transparency, and accuracy at all times
• Learn and utilize AEC timekeeping systems
• Regular on-time attendance is required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to speak effectively and clearly to cooperative members and employees
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

1. Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
2. Sit, stand, and walk throughout the day
3. Operate a desktop or tablet computer, keyboard, and mouse
4. Reach with hands and arms
5. Talk and hear

• Occasionally lift, push/pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate