CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to deliver electricity and natural gas safely and reliably to millions of people. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities, and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.
We are currently seeking to hire a Senior Corporate Media Specialist. In this role, you will be an integral part of the CenterPoint Energy Corporate Communications team and collaborate with operations, customer, government relations, regulatory departments, and external stakeholders to maintain and enhance CenterPoint’s reputation and proactively tell the company’s positive story. You will be responsible for the development, management and execution of external communication plans, spokesperson duties and on-camera proactive storytelling across channels and emergency response duty. The selected candidate will focus on implementing best practices and protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation and image.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Act as company spokesperson, conducting interviews with media and engaging the public at business meetings and events. Serve on an after-hours media duty rotation including occasional weekends.
- Serve as a Corporate Communications representative, providing strategic guidance, identifying effective tactics, and evaluating results.
- Serve on the emergency response communications team. May work extensive hours at CenterPoint Energy locations during a crisis response.
- Provide proactive counsel on strategic direction to corporate leadership, business leaders, colleagues, and other stakeholders, with a focus on achieving business objectives.
- Develop and implement strategic internal and external communication plans. Includes developing key messages, strategies, timing, and specific channels, and incorporating analytics and measurement for results.
- Develop and execute a range of communications strategies and tactics in support of CenterPoint Energy’s business imperatives in Texas – both electric and gas; positions the company’s services and capabilities with key audiences and stakeholders.
- Develop and implement strategic communications plans to support regulatory and government affairs initiatives highlighting issues pertaining to the company’s business goals and interests.
- Coordinate media and public speaking training programs for selected CenterPoint Energy executives, selected managers and staff who may be involved in addressing external audiences, including the news media, key opinion and thought groups and other external stakeholders.
- Develop and manage the production of a wide variety of communication materials, including news releases, fact sheets, articles, presentations, speeches, videos, emails, intranet articles, brochures, posters, digital signage, etc.
- Implement best practices and improves processes and deliverables proactively.
- Collaborate with graphic designers, marketing specialists and social media team to produce attractive and effective communication materials.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications, Public Relations or a related area of study required from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 5 to 7 years of communications experience
- Experience as a company/organization spokesperson
- Experience in crisis response, including in an Incident Command System (ICS)
- Experience producing communication materials (e.g., news releases, statements, key messages, talking points, speeches)
- Experience working with and consulting senior leaders
- Integrated, multi-channel communications experience
- Experience translating technical information into layperson’s terms
- Demonstrated skills and knowledge in leveraging both digital and traditional channels to create impactful communications that drive awareness and engagement
- Proven ability to craft substantive communications, sometimes at a rapid pace
- Proven multi-tasker
Fluency in Spanish is preferred
- Media/journalism reporting experience is preferred
- Energy sector and/or utility industry experience is a plus
- Combination of corporate and agency communications experience is preferred
- Experience within a matrix organization is preferred
Creative, highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter is preferred - Able to work independently to accomplish goals and objectives
- Able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities; can successfully navigate fast-paced situations
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Exceptional written and oral communications skills
- Exceptional project and time management skills
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.