Communications, PR, and Marketing Director - NOVEC

Finding a rewarding career takes hard work, dedication and a company that gives you opportunities to excel and grow professionally. At NOVEC, we believe in supporting our employees, our community and providing great service to our customers. Ready to start your journey toward a rewarding career in the utility industry? Apply today!

SUMMARY

This position provides leadership for the public relations, marketing, and corporate communication functions for NOVEC. This role interfaces with external stakeholders (communities, customers, government entities, lobbyists, legislators, the media, etc.) and internal stakeholders (CEO, Board of Directors, VPs, directors, and employees) engagement. Provides expertise to NOVEC leadership on strategies and executes PR and communications plans in support of NOVEC's brand. Leads programs and initiatives (sponsorships and donations), marketing, internal and external communications initiatives, government relations activities, community relations activities, and customer initiatives.

This position is hybrid in Manassas, Virginia. There will be a 6-month introductory period with 4 days in the office and 1 remote. The schedule will be re-evaluated after the introductory period.

A relocation package is available if needed for the successful eligible candidate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

Delivers results by leading, directing, and coaching a team of 5 PR, marketing, and communications professionals.

Develops and executes plans to deliver on corporate and departmental goals and objectives. Establishes metrics and surveys to measure effectiveness of communications and programs.

Develops strategy, maintains relationships with and manages the advertising agency, vendors, and consultants providing services for branding, PR, marketing, and communications.

Responsible for developing and monitoring the PR, marketing, and communications operating budget.

Oversees the development, implementation and adherence to the company's corporate branding protocols.

Public and Community Relations

Collaborates with the CEO to develop branding and communication strategies for campaigns and media. Develops and executes plans.

Responsible for the company's corporate government relations program by developing relationships with county, state, and national elected officials and their staffs. Stays current with issues that could affect the coop. Works collaboratively with NOVEC's paid lobbyists, and the state and national trade associations. Represents the company at political events. Directs political donations.

Serves as NOVEC's liaison with state and national trade associations.

Directs NOVEC's corporate donation and sponsorship programs. Represents the company at community and charitable events, as well as coordinates employee involvement in charitable and community activities.

Assumes corporate responsibility for identifying, designing, and implementing new public relations and communications campaigns. Collaborates with executives, vendors, consultants, and others, as needed.

Provides oversight for the administration of NOVEC's Operation Round Up program, in collaboration with Accounting and Finance, and NOVEC's in-house corporate counsel.

Develops the media strategy and responds to media inquiries, prepares leadership for media interviews, Podcasts, interviews, etc.

Communications

Provides leadership for internal communications. Support the corporate objectives in communicating the vision, strategy, plans, updates, and key changes. Uses multiple channels to deliver messages and for story-telling.

Directs the creation, implementation and/or distribution of content for the company's customer magazine, bill insert, employee newsletter, traditional and digital advertising, multi-media presentations, website content, direct mail materials, and news releases.

As a member of the executive leadership team, participates in and contributes to the development of the corporate strategic plan and annual key performance indicators. Ensures divisional goals align with corporate goals.

Plans and coordinates the annual report, and annual meeting. Includes proxy development, staffing, agenda, and employee and member communications.

Oversees the communications support the Division provides to NOVEC HELPS.

Occasionally presents topics of interest to the Board of Directors' during monthly meetings.

Responsible for the corporate website and ensures content is up to date, design and functionality represent NOVEC's brand. Collaborates with Director Customer Operations, IT, TRC, and NISC to ensure the customer functionality is aligned to NOVEC's brand, legal disclaimers, and in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Continuous Improvement

Directs customer satisfaction and market research projects with professional external survey companies. Serves as liaison with survey representatives. Communicates results and identifies areas of improvement, as needed. Maintains historical performance records.

Uses data and industry best practices to identify and implement improvements to the NOVEC brand, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder satisfaction. Seeks improvement to the communications process to ensure "stickiness" of messages and stories.

Leverages new technologies to deliver messages and communications to internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in business administration, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is required.

Master's degree in business, public relations, marketing, or communications is preferred.

Minimum of 15 years of experience working in public relations, marketing, and communications with progressive responsibility.

Minimum of 7 years of experience leading teams that perform public relations, communication, marketing and government relations, leadership, and corporate strategic planning and implementation is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Practical application of communication methods and must possess exceptional business and technical writing skills complemented by strong verbal communication and presentation skills.

The ability to build trusted relationships and serve as a consultant/advisor to the CEO and executive team.

Experience building, leading, coaching, delegating, and developing public relations, marketing, and communication teams that meet goals and objectives.

Experience leading teams through change.

Experience presenting to senior executives and board of directors.

Experience setting objectives, developing strategic plans and coordinating work to deliver on functional and corporate goals and objectives.

Understanding of key metrics and measures for public relations, marketing, and communications.

Experience budgeting, leading projects and programs.

Experience developing executive level PowerPoint presentations.

Ability to strategically solve problems using data, analytics, and sound decision-making and relate theoretical and/or technical concepts to practical applications.

Experience using editing software.

Ability to travel inside and outside NOVEC service territory.

Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and other times outside of standard work hours. Duties may include, but are not limited to, participating in community events, assisting in service restoration activities and other required business operations and emergencies that may arise.

Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, and be able to operate company pool vehicles, as necessary.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and Incentive plan
• Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center.
• Survivor and Disability benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%
• Life insurance
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
• Educational Assistance
• Annual Company Events

NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position.