With Who: Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Location: Moncks Corner, SC
Type of Employment: Full-time
Position Summary:
- To direct and guide the Communications and Public Relations Department in protecting and enhancing the positive image of Berkeley Electric Cooperative and to maintain favorable attitudes among various organizations, special interest groups, member/owners and the public through effective communications and by serving as an advocate of the Electric Cooperative program.
- To assist the Vice President, Economic Development and Government Affairs in all economic development, key accounts and community relations.
- To assist the Vice President, Economic Development and Government Affairs in carrying out the goals of Berkeley Electric Cooperative and its subsidiaries with local, state and federal government leaders so as to advance its objectives, plans and programs.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to: Vice President, Economic Development & Government Affairs
- Supervises:
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Corporate Communications & Media Specialist
- Communications and Public Affairs Specialist
- Public Relations & Grassroots Coordinator
Responsibilities and Authorities:
- Directs the Cooperative advertising, marketing, internal and external communications, media relations and public information activities to ensure effective communications, favorable attitudes, support of Cooperative Programs and values, and engage member ownership.
- Is responsible for maintaining an effective budget to meet the advertising, marketing and program outreach needs of the Cooperative.
- Assists the Manager of Economic Development & Key Accounts with KA meetings and developing programs to leverage relationships in key accounts and new business opportunities for Berkeley Electric Cooperative.
- Assists the President and CEO with special projects and communications.
- Leads and directs the development programs and advertising to communicate member and public information to improve support for the Cooperative’s objectives.
- Assists Berkeley Enterprises with public relations, media visibility and advertising and communication needs.
- Leads, directs and develops media communications, news releases and PR campaigns.
- Directs and handles member inquiries pertaining to operations of the Cooperative.
- Leads and directs the development of youth and education programs as well as Youth Tour, SC Youth Summit and Trust Scholarship. Works with school districts and teachers to provide youth, teacher and school support.
- Leads and directs the development of opportunities to promote electrical safety to youth, the membership and general public.
- Leads and directs Grassroots efforts and political action campaigns such as; ACRE-Cooperative Owners for Political Action, Vote.coop, etc.
- Assists with Annual Meeting and directs advertising and communications to the membership.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Managerial Responsibilities:
- Organizing
- Recommends organizational structure and staff requirements to the Vice President, Economic Development and Government Affairs.
- Prepares job description, reviews and approves job description of each employee in department.
- Selects and hires employees in department.
- Administers compensation plan for direct reports in accordance with personnel policy and budget limitations with the expressed approval of the Vice President, Economic Development and Government Affairs.
- Appraises performance of personnel under his/her supervision in accordance with established policy.
- Trains and develops employees under his/her supervision in accordance with established policy.
- Operations
- Makes certain that all personnel reporting to him/her understands and accepts the responsibilities and authorities described in their position description.
- Delegates such responsibilities and authorities to those reporting to him/her with full recognition that he/she retained overall accountability.
- Reviews time sheets, sick leave and annual leave for direct reports.
- Knowledgeable of Cooperative’s policy and service rules and regulations and sees that personnel reporting to him/her understand policies.
- Reviews department expenditures and compares expenses to budget.
- Develop annual department budget and work plan.
- Participates in civic and community activities to promote the understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative’s policies, plans and programs.
- Keeps informed regarding trends and developments in area of responsibility. Participates and presents in seminars, training programs and trade meetings.
Communications:
- Members – To develop relationships with our membership in order to gain the understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative’s plans, programs and policies.
- Civic & Professional Organizations – To actively participate in community and civic groups, taking every opportunity to obtain increased understanding and acceptance of the rural electric program. To maintain representation and create opportunities for mutual services and benefits.
- Statewide, NRECA, RUS, and National Organizations – To participate in meetings of these organizations and to confer with them on matters of common interest, obtaining assistance when necessary.
- Area News Media – To establish rapport with local media personnel to develop support and understanding of the Cooperative’s objectives.
- Power Companies and other Cooperatives – To exchange information that would be mutually beneficial and to maintain good relationships.
- Schools and Extension Service – To provide programs on electricity, energy efficiency, safety cooperative and youth programs.
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Business, marketing or related field is required or requisite courses combined with years of service.
Experience: Should have a minimum of five (5) years experience in responsible position involving planning or work programs, budgeting, and directing programs requiring frequent contact with people as well as experience in communications, public relations, government affairs economic development or key accounts management. Knowledge of the rural electric program including experience in directing a marketing and public relations program is desirable. Three (3) years in position to gain requisite skills.
Job Knowledge: Under the direction of the Vice President, Economic Development and Government Affairs is expected to exercise considerable judgement and discretion when dealing with community leaders. Must have a broad knowledge of public relations techniques including knowledge of Cooperative’s philosophy and principles and the behavioral principles involved in dealing with consumers under stress. Knowledge of efficient use and techniques for marketing and communications is highly desirable. Must have knowledge of Cooperative policies and procedures.
Abilities & Skills: Must be skilled in communicating with others and participate in public relations, marketing and other special events to target Cooperative programs, Cooperative messages and to reinforce the Cooperative’s values. Also, the ability to coordinate and make presentations and to build and maintain good working relationships with communities and the membership. Must be able to communicate well both in writing and orally. Must be skilled in effectively dealing with people under stress. A valid S. C. Driver’s license is required.
Working Conditions: Requires working both inside and outside the office. Some overnight and night work required. Out of state travel is required. Will require irregular days and hours of work. Schedule is subject to change without notice.
Notes: Employer will assist with relocation costs. Additional Salary Information: Minimum for the position.
Salary: $92,637
Apply (or see more job posting information): Submit your application today via the CofC Alumni Career Center!