Communications Specialist (Media Relations)
About The Position
The Communications Specialist is responsible for proactively developing and executing strategic media plans that generate earned media coverage, strengthen Alabama Power’s reputation, and support business and operational priorities. This role requires strong judgment, creativity, disciplined planning, and the ability to work effectively across departments and with media partners. A successful Communications Specialist anticipates media opportunities, develops compelling and newsworthy story angles, aligns internal partners early, and executes with precision to secure positive earned media coverage. They act as a trusted advisor and, when needed, a confident on‑camera spokesperson.
Requirements
- 7-10 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or media relations
- Demonstrated experience securing earned media coverage, not just writing or support work
- Proven ability to develop and execute media plans, not solely react to requests
- Strong experience pitching reporters and tailoring stories to specific outlets
- Experience working across multiple departments to deliver communications outcomes
- Excellent writing skills for external audiences and digital platforms
- Strategic thinking and proactive planning
- Creative storytelling and strong news judgment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong relationship‑building with internal and external partners
- Effective time management and execution discipline
- Comfort representing the organization publicly and on camera
Nice To Haves
- Experience serving as an on‑camera spokesperson or preparing leaders/employees for media
- Experience supporting a large, complex, or operational organization (e.g., utilities, infrastructure, industrial, or regulated environments)
- Existing media relationships in Alabama or the Southeast
- Experience managing communications tied to reputation, brand, or public trust
Responsibilities
- Develop strategic communications and media plans aligned to reputation and business needs
- Identify proactive earned media opportunities and story ideas
- Plan around media cycles, deadlines, and reporter availability
- Translate operational and technical work into compelling, relatable stories
- Design creative, visual media opportunities that attract coverage
- Identify story angles that resonate with specific outlets and audiences
- Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets
- Research reporters and tailor pitches to outlet interests and timing
- Pitch, coordinate, and secure earned media coverage across the state
- Identify and engage key internal partners early (e.g., Power Delivery)
- Leverage internal relationships to align messaging and logistics
- Coordinate across departments to deliver media‑ready stories
- Serve as an on‑camera spokesperson when appropriate
- Write clear, accurate, and engaging content for online and digital channels
- Ensure all messaging aligns with brand and reputation standards
Benefits
- competitive base salary
- annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
