Media Relations Strategist

APS•Phoenix, AZ

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Media Relations Strategist is a key member of the APS Media Relations Team, driving the organization’s communications objectives through effective earned media strategies and fostering relationships with local, national, trade, and Spanish-language journalists. The consultant is a persuasive communicator adept at translating complex technical information into clear messages, providing strategic counsel, contributing to discussions and decision-making, coordinating media opportunities and supporting crisis communications. The consultant thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced and cross-functional environment, takes initiative, and demonstrates strong teamwork and a proactive approach. This is an in-house, full-time opportunity in External Communications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Communications or related field
Five (5) years related writing/editing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, software application skills including word processing and desktop publishing, and solid project management skills.
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, English or related field and (8) eight years related communications experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Spanish-language journalists
Experience translating complex technical information into clear messages
Experience providing strategic counsel
Experience supporting crisis communications
Experience in a collaborative, fast-paced and cross-functional environment
Takes initiative
Demonstrates strong teamwork
Proactive approach

Responsibilities

Serving as a company spokesperson and trusted advisor to senior leaders and internal partners
Assessing risks and providing solutions
Developing and executing strategic plans
Writing news releases, statements, and key messages
Pitching stories, coaching subject matter experts for media engagement, responding to media inquiries
Providing interviews, including on-camera appearances
Participating in crisis response efforts and exercises
Liaising with community partners and PIOs
Participating in a 24/7 on-call media duty rotation
Advise senior leaders and internal teams on earned media strategies. Utilize critical thinking to craft messaging and make sound recommendations about company positioning to advance business objectives.
Develop and implement media relations plans, including proactive story pitching, media outreach, and response strategies for local, national, trade, and Spanish-language outlets.
Serve as an official company spokesperson, delivering clear, accurate and impactful messages for media engagements. Prepare company leaders and subject matter experts for media interviews.
Participate in crisis communications, drafting statements, managing media inquiries during incidents and supporting after-action reviews. Participate in a 24/7 on-call media duty rotation, demonstrating responsiveness and reliability.
Write, edit, and distribute media materials such as news releases, key messages and talking points, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, community partners and public information officers (PIOs).
Ensure all media relations activities meet quality standards, communication plans and confidentiality requirements.
Efficiently manage resources, collaborating with internal teams, vendors and external agencies to deliver timely, effective support within budget.
Stay current on industry trends, media landscapes, and issues affecting the energy sector to inform strategic recommendations and outreach.