Job Title:       Communications Specialist

Department:  Communications

Reports To:    Chief Communications Officer

SUMMARY

Plans and conducts member and employee communication programs designed to create and maintain positive relationships for the Cooperative by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Plans and directs development and communication of information designed to inform internal and external audiences about the Cooperative's programs, accomplishments, or point of view. 

Arranges for and conducts public contact programs designed to meet the Cooperative's objectives.  Produces video, photography, and online and social media content.

Prepares and distributes content such as news releases, photographs, scripts, video, or audio recordings about the Cooperative's activities or message.

Promotes goodwill through such publicity efforts as community presentations, speeches, exhibits, video, tours, and questions/answer sessions.  Represents Cooperative during community projects and at public, social, and business gatherings.

Researches data, creates ideas, writes copy, develops artwork, contacts media representatives, or represents Cooperative directly before general public.  Produces or coordinates production of corporate messaging and promotions.  Purchases advertising space and time as required.

Develops ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of the cooperative and its products or services.

Creates press releases, articles, presentations and other communications efforts to promote the Cooperative and educate members and employees.

Serves as liaison with outside communication consultants, copywriters, and advertising agencies.  Provides direction to third-party agencies and guides the creative process.  Maintains computer database of media contacts.

Coordinates internal communications programs such as cooperative intranet, employee newsletter and special events.

Produces content and layout for local pages in monthly magazine.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in marketing, communications, agriculture communications, journalism, graphic design or other communication-related degree from a four-year college or university, and one-year related experience preferred;

• OR technical or associates degree and one-to-three years related experience;

• OR or high school diploma and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as military service.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

The employee must occasionally travel to fulfill the essential job duties and requirements. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Electric cooperatives were created to serve the best interests of their member-owners, and that's exactly what Sam Houston Electric Cooperative does. In the early 1930s, the vast rural areas of America did not have access to the wonders of electricity. During this time, less than three percent of rural America received the benefits of electric service. After the signing of the Rural Electrification Act on May 21, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the “REA Movement” spread rapidly throughout the nation. The stories of the early days of rural electrification are much the same…rural men and women petitioning, educating and organizing–for power. Sam Houston Electric Cooperative was founded Aug. 27, 1938, by a group of rural residents in Polk County. The first directors met, planned and created their cooperative. On May 16, 1939, they received a charter from the State of Texas, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Inc. was born. After obtaining an REA loan, the Co-op began construction of its first power lines, 242.86 miles, on Jan. 15, 1940, which would serve 661 members in Polk, San Jacinto, Walker and Liberty Counties. The power at that time came from Gulf States Utility C...ompany to a substation in Goodrich. By 1943, Sam Houston EC had 1,306 members. In 1951, that number jumped to 7,500 consumers and 2,300 miles of line. Today, Sam Houston EC maintains 6,000 miles of line serving more than 52,000 members in parts of 10 counties. Our members are our partners. We provide and maintain quality electric service at the lowest possible cost. Sam Houston EC’s mission, as stated by our Board of Directors, is to achieve member satisfaction by providing safe, reliable services at competitive prices and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, utilizing an exceptional workforce, while maintaining financial stability.

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