APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS: Applicants shall submit in writing their qualifications for this position to Neal Niedfeldt, PO Box 1687, Grand Island, NE 68802-1687, or nniedfeldt@southernpd.net.
If you have any questions, please contact Neal Niedfeldt at 308-384-2350
DEFINITION: To formulate customer communication, informational programs and activities which secure strong customer and community relationships and promote a positive image for the District.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
- Receives general direction from the CEO.
- Exercises no direct supervision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Within the limits of approved board policies, operating guidelines and procedures, assumes responsibility and has commensurate authority for the following activities:
- Communicating the District’s Mission Statement, Strategic Goals and policies to provide direction for the employees of the District.
- Maintain effective internal and external relationships in order to gather, interpret and share information with employees, customers and the general public.
- Serve as the media contact for all general inquiries, while developing positive relationships with reporters and editors.
- Provide real-time communication with customers and the media during power outage events, providing information via social media channels and media interviews.
- Coordinate the District’s public relations efforts by planning campaigns to address key topics including safety, energy efficiency, district policies and other relevant topics.
- Prepare, edit and publish various publications within a rigid schedule of deadlines. Tasks performed will include content development, photography, and design. Publications will reflect high quality and uniform branding. Methods of outreach to manage the District’s communication efforts include, but are not limited to:
- Bi-Monthly 8-page Magazine
- Newsletters
- Social Media
- Website
- Paid advertising and sponsorships
- Oversee the functions of the District’s Operation Round Up Program, promoting the program to customers and facilitating board meetings and special activities.
- Conduct customer surveys and interpret data in order to assist the District in determining the services desired by our customers.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Desktop publishing, including the use of Adobe Creative Suite products.
- Microsoft product experience is preferred, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Social media platforms for use in achieving communication goals, including the use of social media management platforms such as Hootsuite. Other preferred areas of knowledge include public and media relations and public speaking.
- Web content development experience, preferably utilizing WordPress.
- General office practices, record keeping and computers.
- Safe working practices.
Ability to:
- Take additional training in those areas that would enhance and improve the District’s customer relations activities.
- Provide attention to detail and achieve a high level of accuracy.
- Manage multiple deadlines and establish priorities effectively.
- Communicate both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
- Write and communicate clearly and concisely.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
- A minimum of five years experience in a progressively responsible communications position is required, preferably with a consumer-owned or publicly-held utility system. The ability to maintain positive relationships, both within and outside the organization, is required.
Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in journalism, mass communications or a related field is required. Additional training in marketing, supervision, desktop publishing and advertising is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Activity:
- Sitting: Occasional
- Standing: Frequent
- Walking: Moderate
- Reaching: Frequent
- Climbing: Occasional
- Bending: Frequent
Lifting:
- Chair to Floor
- 40# Minimal
- 25# Occasional
- 10# Frequent
- Waist Level
- 40# Minimal
- 25# Occasional
- 10# Frequent
- Use of Feet
- Right and Left – Frequent
- Kneeling: Occasional
- Twist/Turn: Frequent
- Balance: Occasional
- Grasping: Frequent
- Handling
- Squatting
- Above Shoulders
- 25# Occasional
- 10# Frequent
- Push/Pull
- 25# Minimal
