Manager of Communications and Public Affairs

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant•Carlsbad, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Be part of the nation's only repository for the disposal of nuclear waste known as Transuranic (TRU) waste. Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, managing and operating contractor of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), is seeking a highly experienced and skilled professional to direct its Communications & Public Affairs program in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This position is part of SIMCO' senior leadership team, and work closely with the DOE's Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) to engage with external stakeholders and traditional and nontraditional media to ensure that information disseminated or portrayed about the project is accurate, informative, and timely. The successful candidate will have deep experience and diverse knowledge in leading all facets of Communications functions inclusive of internal employee communications, public affairs, and community relations with a particular skillsets and proven track record in issues management, proactive media outreach, stakeholder relations, and project management gained by working in complex, highly-visibly environments or large-scale projects with perceived risks.

Requirements

Highly skilled in oral and written communications, and speech writing.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans and measure results demonstrating value add to organization.
Proficient user of the Microsoft Office suite of products.
Experience identifying newsworthy stories, developing them, and pitching and placing them in media outlets.
Ability to travel within U.S., and work remotely when necessary.
Ability to develop solutions to problems where guidelines are not well defined.
Ability to build and manage positive relationships with Communications team members, peers and senior leadership.
Strong relationship building and management skills.
Must be self-motivated.
Ability to excel in a detail-oriented, deadline-drive environment.
Demonstrated skills in identifying and developing integrated communications campaigns that include digital communications, internal communications, and media outreach.
Ability to walk on construction and/or mining sites (including some areas of uneven terrain) for extended periods of time.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment in construction and/or mining zone, to include but not limited to, hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, and steel-toed shoes.
Available during non-work hours for on-call and emergency situations.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or related field with fifteen (15) years of progressive related experience is required.
Demonstrated experience in project management including managing an informal or formal team, assigning and tracking tasks, coordinating with customers or other entities, and delivering results.
Demonstrated experience in external communications, internal communications, and executive support experience in public affairs issues management, media relations, public information and public affairs management, and communications.
Experience working with local, regional, national and trade media.
Must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in limited circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of nuclear, security, environmental, energy services industry, and/or experience working in a matrixed organization or government project environment.
Previous experience with Bechtel.

Responsibilities

Ensures that SIMCO remains the first and best source of information for its employees by actively establishing and managing internal communications channels, publications, and all workforce meetings.
Supports SIMCO leadership in employee engagement initiatives, campaigns, and events to promote positive morale and recognition.
Oversees SIMCO's activities to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to promote positive community engagement and educational outreach initiatives.
Responsible for annual Contractor Community Commitment Plan development and reporting requirements.
Manages an annual charitable giving budget; and guides and directs standards for reviewing and allocating contributions to community non-profit organizations; and organizing employee-led charitable giving and volunteer campaigns.
Develops and implements with the CBFO a public affairs strategy that engages New Mexico, regional, and national stakeholders through ongoing proactive efforts such as public forums, public education campaigns, briefings, and tours of the WIPP site.
Develops and guides strategy to measure public awareness of WIPP operations; and leads public education campaigns to effectively communicate about WIPP and its activities.
Proactively identifies industry events, trade shows, professional societies and other speaking opportunities to share the WIPP mission, vision, and values, and provides counsel to employees and management in preparing for events and advises on strategy and best practices.
Develops and implements with the team a media strategy that engages local, regional, national, trade and nontraditional media through ongoing media relations and proactive earned efforts such as pitches, news releases, briefings and visits.
Provides counsel to employees and senior management in preparing for interviews and advises on strategy and best practices.
Proactively identifies, tracks and follows through on potential multi-media story ideas to share progress, demonstrate the mission, vision, and values, and recognize employees externally.
Serves as the primary SIMCO spokesperson and leads the process to respond to media inquiries and requests for information.
Collaborates with senior management, SIMCO corporate entities, and the CBFO to identify potential issues, develop mitigation strategies and implement those strategies through communication methods for internal and/or external audiences.
Manages and executes specific proactive public outreach issues management activities. This includes researching and analyzing complex communications issues, being familiar with project risks and milestones, knowing customer requirements, and having a thorough understanding of technical, legal, and other challenges to achieve successful outcomes of large-scale, highly complex projects.
Directs process to maintain company and project visual identity standards.
Oversees a digital media strategy that promotes online engagement with responsibility for maintaining company and project external websites and social media.
Leads staff in developing original graphic designs for online use, presentations, printed displays, brochures, fact sheets, and milestone mementos. This includes photography and video content creation for internal and external use.
Leads process development for emergency response public communications program to employees and the public.
Coordinates program development and requirements with Emergency Response Organization and the CBFO.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance: Coverage on date of hire
Surgical concierge service
EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
Modern work arrangements to include 4-day workweeks (four 10-hour days)
Relocation assistance
Shuttle commuter service from the local areas
Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement program
On-site fitness center and other wellness support including some public gym membership reductions
Company paid short term disability
Company paid life insurance (1x annual salary)
Pension plan that provides monthly annuity after retirement and 401(k) with .50 matching up to 6%
Voluntary benefits of: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
Long-term disability program
Health and Flexible savings accounts
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance