Crisis Communications Specialist

Crisis communications preparedness, rapid response, issues management and reputation recovery.

The Crisis Communications Specialist supports the development and execution of communication strategies that protect and enhance the company's reputation during crises, emergencies and other high-profile issues, with an emphasis on Operations business including generation and transmission. This individual serves as a key member of the Operations Communications and system crisis communications teams, helping develop timely, accurate and consistent communications for employees, customers, media, regulators, community leaders and other stakeholders. The role provides support for broader corporate communications efforts as assigned. 

The specialist combines strong writing and strategic thinking skills with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment. The role requires excellent judgment, attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration and the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, audience-focused communications.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Three or more years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, emergency management communications or a related discipline.
• Crisis communications or emergency management communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours during emergencies and crisis events.
• Must be technology savvy with Microsoft 365 applications or other similar applications

Preferred

• Experience supporting utility, energy, infrastructure, government or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience with media monitoring, social listening and reputation management tools.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms, web content management and social media strategy.
• Understanding of electric operations, including generation, transmission and distribution

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Crisis Communications and Incident Response

• Support crisis communications planning, preparedness and response activities.
• Assist in activating and executing crisis communications plans during incidents and emergencies.
• Develop and update media statements, talking points, frequently asked questions, stakeholder communications and other crisis-related materials.
• Coordinate with operational, legal, regulatory, security and executive leadership teams to help ensure communications are accurate and aligned.
• Monitor evolving situations and provide recommendations on messaging, timing and communication channels.
• Help identify and address misinformation, rumors and emerging reputation risks.
• Support after-action reviews and incorporate lessons learned into future planning and preparedness efforts.

Strategic Communications 

• Research, write, edit and proofread communications for internal and external audiences.
• Develop communication strategies and plans addressing reputation-sensitive issues and business priorities.
• Produce executive messages, employee communications, presentations, media materials, website content and social media content.
• Ensure content is clear, concise, audience-focused and aligned with company and AP style standards.

Media and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support media relations efforts during crisis and non-crisis situations.
• Assist in preparing company spokespersons and executives for media interviews and stakeholder engagements.
• Coordinate communications with system communications partners and other stakeholders as needed.
• Track media coverage and stakeholder sentiment and provide timely reports and insights to leadership.

Digital and Social Media

• Support the development and deployment of digital communications during incidents.
• Create and update website content, email communications and social media messaging.
• Monitor digital channels for emerging issues, customer concerns and misinformation.
• Track communication performance metrics and recommend improvements.

General Corporate Communications Support 

• Support overall Operations and corporate communications deliverables and contribute to communications strategy as assigned.

Measurement, Administrative and Continuous Improvement 

• Participate in and contribute to the design of tabletop exercises
• Take part in ongoing training and efforts to continuously improve crisis communications and communications capabilities, along with incident simulations and exercises 
• Evaluated and support lessons-learned reviews
• Develop and contribute to communications readiness assessments
• Contribute to department reporting and administration, tracking and reporting