Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Philadelphia Gas Works•Philadelphia, PA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Director level position will provide daily coordination of communications with external audiences, including the news media, meeting tight deadlines, responding to crisis situations, and developing proactive communication strategies. The incumbent can serve as a media spokesperson for the company, as well. This will include writing public responses, preparing media statements and articles, coordination of interviews, news pitches, and other related media communications. The incumbent will support other Communications department staff, as well as other internal and external entities to ensure timely and accurate company information is provided. The incumbent will support company public relations with multi-faceted communications programs designed to build and strengthen the organization’s role and reputation as a leader in the energy industry by developing policies, coordinating the implementation process, and providing quality control for external communications, media activities, and press events. This role also manages internal staff and contractors responsible for delivering results across multiple communication vehicles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
Multiple years of experience in public relations, including supervisory and comprehensive marketing experience required.
The candidate will possess a deep understanding of, and demonstrated familiarity with, the political and local media landscape of Philadelphia.
Knowledge of and experience with copy, feature, and promotional writing; coordination of publication production; desktop publishing, media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform via written, oral, and visual media.
Knowledge and command of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret common industry publications, financial reports, and legal documents.
Excellent managerial and organizational abilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership.
Ability to coordinate efforts of various teams to present a coherent message.
Must be a leader with the ability to create a professional and constructive environment that fosters a team-oriented and customer service approach to day-to-day operations.
Must be a well-organized, planning manager with the ability to execute a project from concept to production in an environment where daily priorities may shift.
Must be familiar with all news media channels of communications; have detailed knowledge of major company operations; extensive experience in dealing with many kinds of people and organizations; and well-developed creative, analytical, and writing skills.
Must be flexible with the ability to work smoothly under pressure producing high quality results on short notice and maintaining a high level of composure and self-control during crises under media scrutiny and responding to issues that may arise outside of normal business hours.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with executive leadership to align PGW’s corporate mission and strategic priorities with its communications strategy to build and maintain a positive brand.
Work jointly, when needed, with Chief of Staff & SVP of Communications in planning and coordination of successful media and communications campaigns.
Serve as a corporate spokesperson for the Company as well as coordinate the writing of talking points and messaging for other internal spokespersons.
Manage media relations strategy and cultivate and enhance collaborative working relationships with local Philadelphia metro and industry media contacts.
Work collaboratively with Communications staff on all events and projects.
Attend pertinent Company and community functions and network with community and/or media representatives.
Manage and coordinate use of interactive communications such as Social Media Sharing (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others).
Manage the workflow of department projects and staff time.
Coordinate with direct reports to work with internal (i.e., Customer Service, Human Resources, etc.) to develop communications for external circulation.
Develop, implement, and adhere to communications budget.
Develop ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of PGW’s policies, products, services, and goodwill activities; delegates assignments to appropriate team members providing on-going oversight.
Plan social media strategies on behalf of a company to achieve a set of goals.
Responsible for the oversight of content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting of social media metrics.
Arrange for media visits to PGW facilities as appropriate effectively and authentically representing PGW before all media outlets including television cameras, radio microphones, print and editorial writers.
Develop and conduct customer opinion surveys, manage public relations aspects of customer programs, and respond to common inquiries or complaints from the press, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community exhibiting professional decorum and a comprehensive understanding of company issues.
Supervise managers as well as other professional and non-exempt employees responsible for the day-to-day operational planning and tasks related to benefits, compensation, attendance, HRIS, medical and general office organization; assesses subordinate needs, monitors performance, sets goals, evaluates and disciplines as necessary ensuring subordinates are well equipped to meet and/or exceed job expectations.
Ensure subordinate managers are properly trained and adhere to company policies, practice and procedure including collective bargaining agreement; oversee decisions made on disciplinary matters, employee grievances, and other problems with employees, supervisor, and (when applicable), union representatives.
Hires, trains, sets goals, evaluates and manages assigned communications staff and their workload, as necessary, ensuring subordinates are well equipped to meet and/or exceed job expectations.
Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.
Prepare monthly and annual capital and operating budgets; allocate project budgets consistent with PGW’s strategic and operating plans, as needed.
Develop justification for all capital projects and for all monthly variances for the operating budget.
Ensure all Communication projects align with PGW’s and the department’s strategic plans; develop, monitor, and maintain systems that ensure alignment throughout implementation of the project.
Anticipate and identifies issues inhibiting the attainment of project goals to develop and implement corrective action considering the current political environment and issues of public importance.
Perform other special projects and assignments as directed.