Communications Specialist

Our CompanyThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Provincial authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

Our MissionThe vision for the ERO Enterprise, which is comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities, is a highly reliable and secure North American bulk power system. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid.

Your ImpactThe Communication Specialist is a member of NERC’s Communications team and supports the creation of effective external-facing communications efforts that engage, inform, and educate NERC’s stakeholders on the mission of assuring the reliability, resilience, and security of the North American bulk power system. This role requires a dependable self-starter who is equally comfortable working independently as well as in a team, has excellent communications skills, and is comfortable multi-tasking and managing priorities. The Communications Specialist will join a strategic, collaborative, and team-focused department and will be expected to forge strong cross-departmental relationships. This position reports to the Director, Strategic Communications.

Your RoleAssist the Communications leadership team with developing innovative communications campaigns that inform, educate, and engage target audiences.Develop and execute outreach initiatives; write and edit articles, statements, and media releases; develop messaging, talking points, and coordinate social media posts with NERC’s Digital Content Specialist that align with the Communications Strategic Plan. Coordinate with Communications teams—Internal Communications, External Communications, Publications and Digital Content—to advance and publicize upcoming events, speaking engagements, testimony, etc.Build strong relationships with subject matter experts in each department as well as with communicators in NERC’s six Regions. Develop and coordinate year-end reports. Assist in the facilitation of media inquiries and interview requests.Produce daily news clips and maintain media lists and media tracking log.Liaise with external vendors, such as design agencies and promotional companies. Monitor and approve speaker requests.Manage NERC proprietary data usage requests.Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications or a related fieldThree to five years of experience in a communications, public affairs, or public relations environment. Experience working in the electricity industry or with the media is a plus, but not required. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills. Demonstrated leadership and initiative skills. Ability to comprehend highly technical subject matter and translate into layperson terms.Proven ability to work in a collaborative, service-oriented team environment, and coordinate responsibilities openly with others within the organization.Proven ability to gain trust quickly and maintain confidentiality and credibility within the company, throughout industry, and when dealing with the media.

OtherA background check will be conducted prior to employment.In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.This position has been classified as exempt.The position may be based remotely but must be able to travel to NERC offices, if needed. Reimbursement of travel expenses will be in accordance with the company’s travel and expense reimbursement policies.

Our Culture DeclarationsEveryone at NERC is a leader.We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments.We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks.Build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC.We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors:Reward, high-quality, creative, and innovative work.Attract, engage, and retain top talent.Value and respect diverse perspectives.Provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.Form strong relationships within the company, and with the ERO EnterpriseWe demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge and opportunities for growth and development.We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset, preventing problems, and building contingencies where appropriate.We are champions for diversity and inclusion.