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Communications and Public Relations

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric
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FESCO Communications Specialist I

OBJECTIVES

  • The Communications Specialist I will maintain and improve the understanding and support for the cooperatives’ purposes, objectives, policies, plans, and programs through well-planned, effective, and informative communication.
  • The Communications Specialist I will promote goodwill and positive relationships between the cooperative, its members, and the public as well as participate in and provide support to other departments’ activities as needed and directed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Must possess and maintain the ability to:
    • Respond positively to supervision.
    • Work as a cooperative member of a team.
    • Interact professionally and courteously with co-workers and members.
    • Successfully work independently within deadlines and time constraints.
  • Help develop and adhere to an editorial calendar that provides consistency and direction for all communications. 
  • Produce the center local pages of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine for all FESCO member cooperatives and maintain positive working relationships with Ohio Cooperative Living magazine staff to publish an attractive, informative section on time every month. 
  • Manage and provide ID badges to all employees of all FESCO cooperatives. 
  • Assist with the coordination of meetings for all FESCO cooperatives.
  • Work to develop or obtain flyers, brochures, booklets, and other literature, including signs, posters, banners, and displays used at the office, shows, and fairs about the cooperative’s policies, programs, and the wise, safe, and efficient use of electricity. 
  • Contacts and works with area newspapers, radio, and television stations to develop positive working relationships to increase awareness of electric energy, the rural electric program, and cooperative programs and activities.
  • Works with the Communications staff to produce, develop, and disseminate newspaper, radio, TV, and outdoor ads and brochures dealing with safety, economic development, cooperatives, image, outages, and marketing.
  • Ensures that the use of the cooperative’s logo and Touchstone Energy logo and tagline are used in compliance with local, state, and national standards.
  • Attends OREC, Buckeye Power, and NRECA meetings dealing with communication issues, as directed.
  • Attends institutes and training programs, lectures, and seminars, as directed.
  • Promotes cooperative goodwill through participation in community activities.
  • Represents the cooperative by acting as administrator for the Operation Roundup People Fund board at quarterly after-hours meetings.

OTHER IMPORTANT DUTIES

  • Maintain good working relations with co-workers, FESCO members, and the community at large.
  • Represents FESCO by attending schools, seminars, or meetings to improve job knowledge and skills when requested.
  • Continually explore new ideas to enhance job performance, efficiency, productivity, and work relations and encourage direct reports to do the same.  
  • Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Manager of Communications or designee.

 

SPECIFICATIONS 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • An Associate’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field is required. Bachelor’s preferred. 
  • At least 1-2 years of relevant work experience, including photography and videography, print journalism, print layout, interacting with the public, coordinating social media, and developing and implementing advertising and public relations plans is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrative technical and journalistic writing skills are required. (Portfolio will be requested)
  • Computer literacy using Microsoft Office and a clear demonstration of advanced understanding required. 
  • Experience in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) for editing photographs, graphics, videos, and print layouts preferred. 
  • Knowledge of the electric cooperatives business model, including the operation of the organization and details of providing electricity from generator to member a plus. 

COMPETENCIES: 

  • Knowledge of communications strategies, including crisis and strategic helpful. 
  • Ability to establish rapport with internal and external representatives, maintaining courteous, respectful, and professional relationships.
  • Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to use sound, logical judgment and be a practical decision-maker.
  • Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks, even simultaneously, and coordinate projects with other employees working to meet deadlines and budgets consistently.
  • Ability to think creatively to resolve operational issues while maintaining consistency and regulatory compliance.

REQUIRED:                                                                                                                                       

  • An Individual in this position must possess and maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license. 
  • Willingness to travel – required to cover duties at both LMRE (Wellington) and NCE (Attica) offices on a limited basis once or twice a month.
  • Ability to speak, hear, understand, and communicate in English. 
  • Relative military experience in lieu of education, training, and experience will be considered.

WORK AND SAFETY ENVIRONMENT: 

  • Work is performed in a standard office environment, with occasional weekend and evening work and occasional in-state or out-of-state travel.
  • Operates all cooperative equipment in accordance with FESCO policies and procedures, safety rules, manufacturer guidelines, regulations, and codes and seeks input from the supervisor when information is unclear, inadequate, or requires interpretation.
  • Complies with all FESCO policies, procedures, and safety rules as they apply to communications and recommends to all co-workers the use and practice of the same.
  • Must be able to perform required duties during extended hours in emergencies.
  • Knowledge of safety issues affecting office workers.
  • Ability to lift and move a box of copy paper weighing approximately 40 pounds.
  • Ability to move about and within an office building and on various terrains.
  • Ability to frequently stand and walk and sit for extended periods.
  • Ability to perform essential functions that require frequent, prolonged viewing and use of computer monitor, keyboard, and computer mouse for extended periods.

 

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS

 

This Position Description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  The employee may be required to perform or assume additional position-related responsibilities other than those stated in this description.

 

Lorain Medina Rural Electric Cooperative and North Central Electric Cooperative reserve the right to revise or change the position responsibilities as the need arises.  This Position Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  The time frames mentioned for the successful accomplishment of training phases are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as an implied contract of employment for any amount of time.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.