Communication Specialist

Hybrid: 4 Day Onsite Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota - 55402 Pay Range: $50-$57/hr Job Description The Senior Communications Specialist will be a key member of the Communications, Community Relations and Marketing team and requires a self-starting individual to lead cross-functional internal collaboration to maintain and enhance reputation and proactively tell the company's story. This position will play a key role in developing compelling communications related to Energy industry-leading natural gas decarbonization efforts under the Minnesota Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA), investments in advancing cleaner energy technologies, and programs to enable customers to reduce emissions attributed to their personal energy use. The position requires engagement through in-person activities with community members, as well as the development and management of print, digital and in-person engagement opportunities through various channels, including community and stakeholder outreach, web and media, and direct customer engagement.

Essential Functions: Serves as a Corporate Communications representative, providing strategic guidance, identifying effective tactics and evaluating results. Serves on the emergency response communications team on a rotational basis and occasionally after-hours and weekends. May work extensive hours at locations during a crisis response. Develops and manages the production of a wide variety of communication materials, including web copy, news releases, fact sheets, articles, presentations, speeches, videos, emails, intranet articles, brochures, posters, digital signage, etc. Planning stakeholder and public engagement events, including developing materials, conducting notifications, managing logistics and compiling outreach reports. Staffing booths at community events and attending neighborhood, HOA and other community meetings. Develops and implements strategic internal and external communication plans. Includes developing key messages, strategies, timing and specific channels, and incorporating analytics and measurement for results. Works closely with Regulatory, NGIA implementation, Energy Sales, Government Affairs and other internal teams to maintain consistent messaging and support customer and stakeholder engagement. Leads thought leadership efforts for the company's Minnesota decarbonization and cleaner energy technologies, including white papers, LinkedIn articles, conference presentations, etc. Implements best practices and improves processes and deliverables proactively. Assists the web content team with the planning, implementation and maintenance web content. Collaborates with graphic designers, marketing specialists and social media team to produce attractive and effective communication materials. Develop notification letters and emails for customers, city staff, public officials, neighborhood associations, business associations, local newspapers and media outlets and other external stakeholders as needed for innovation. Serves as regional support for company social media accounts. Education Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is required. Experience 3-5+ years of communication experience. Can become or preferably is familiar with cleaner energy and natural gas industry terminology. Expertise in developing and executing communication strategies. Ability to collaborate effectively with Communications, Marketing, Regulatory, and NGIA implement teams throughout the organization. Experience in partnering with key stakeholders to prioritize and deliver on multiple or complex projects; with the ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Strong ability to interact with diverse groups, develop robust networks, and build credibility within the organization to drive projects forward. Exceptional oral and written communication skill to convey complex information effectively. Familiarity with innovative stakeholder and community engagement strategies.

Preferred Qualifications: Ability to read, interprets, use and discuss regulatory filings and documents. Experience within a matrix organization. A communications generalist and utility player with broad experience and the ability to flex and adapt to team and organizational needs. A creative, highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter. Able to work independently to accomplish goals and objectives. Able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities; can successfully navigate fast-paced situations. Flexibility and adaptability. Exceptional project and time management skill. The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually – as applicable.