Communications Specialist in Birmingham, Alabama

Communications Specialist

Job Description

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies and serves as point of contact for communication counsel for various departments and initiatives. The position includes writing for a variety of platforms − such as content for news sites, executive talking points and video scripts – and collaborating to organize and manage events.

You must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, able to operate and coordinate across multiple internal and external teams and context-switch with skill. You will test and evaluate different channels and messages.

You will have the opportunity to work with digital and traditional media, ensuring that our brand messages are carried through each channel. You will also partner with our internal teams to understand their goals and ways Public Relations can support their efforts, adjusting channels and messages accordingly. Success is measured in effective engagement.

Major responsibilities:

• Manage various company accounts, providing strategic communications counsel

• Interface with officers and managers, as appropriate, in the development and achievement of business goals, including, among other things, presentation development, communication of key initiative announcements and special projects

• Collaborate with the marketing team to co-develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies for both internal and external campaigns

• Write for company vehicles including intranet; talking points for executives; email announcements; social media posts; video scripts; and more

• Support Public Relations efforts outside of regular responsibilities, such as storm and other emergency communications

• Participate in the creative process for campaign development, contributing to the ideation and creation of compelling content relevant to targeted audiences

• Provide communication support and expertise to supplement the marketing team’s initiatives, including copywriting and editing for promotional materials

• Must have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; be self-directed and innovative in developing communications aimed at internal and external audiences

• Strong teamwork and project management skills needed

• Must be willing and able to handle multiple tasks at once

• Interact with communication teams throughout the Southern Company system

Candidates with the following preferred qualifications are encouraged to apply:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations or communications preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in public relations, writing, communications, marketing, media or related field is required with demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and ability to analyze, interpret and effectively communicate complex information

• Experience working in the electric utility field a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Provide excellent communications consultation/client support by developing strategic internal and external communications strategies/messages and tactical implementation on all company issues

• Must be an exceptional writer with ability to develop online stories, key messages and communications plans while working in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines

• Build productive, professional relationships with diverse clients, including senior executives, to achieve company’s communication and business goals

• Knowledge of issues and trends related to the company and electric utility industry preferred

• Candidate must model company values of safety first, unquestionable trust, superior performance and total commitment with strong teamwork skills and demonstrated ability to work with different levels of management and employees

• Familiarity with and ability to provide content for both traditional and emerging communication platforms

• Ability to plan, prioritize and execute the life cycle of a project

• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities

• Sense of urgency and ability to handle numerous projects and tasks at once

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Ability to motivate, encourage and recognize employees, helping them understand the business plan and how they are part of the solution

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to speak with authority and knowledge. Strong presentation skills and ability to advocate constructively for a solution

• Thirst for knowledge and to be a “student of the business” in an evolving industry environment

  Southern Power , a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other energy customers. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own 55 facilities operating or under construction in 14 states with more than 12,500 MW of generating capacity in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 7613

Job Category: Communications & External Affairs

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Power