WGL - Communications Specialist, External

WGL - Communications Specialist, External

Reporting to the Senior Director of Utilities Communications, the Communications Specialist for External Communications will be a key player in planning and executing our external communications strategies. As the primary point of contact for the media and other external stakeholders, you'll collaborate with various Washington Gas departments to create content that enhances our brand within our operating footprint and the broader natural gas industry. In this dynamic role, you'll ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across all communications channels, meeting stakeholders where they are and weaving Washington Gas' narrative into all external communications. You'll exercise a high degree of judgment and sensitivity in addressing real and potential issues, providing crucial support during emergency situations, often with short notice.

You Will:

• Develop proactive, integrated media communications plans and strategies to streamline and maximize owned, earned, and paid media opportunities

• Serve as the first point of contact for media

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists (newspapers, television, radio, other publications)

• Coordinate and manage media inquiries and interview requests, providing a point of view on each opportunity to the Senior Director, Utilities Communications

• Liaise with senior management and subject matter experts to provide the media with factual background information and actively promote story ideas

• Monitor media coverage, flag emerging issues, follow major trends and issues affecting the company and industry at-large, and provide analysis and reports to senior management

• Develop a variety of communications materials (e.g., key messages and talking points, op-eds, press releases, media reports, and executive support.)

• Arrange/conduct media training for key company spokespeople when necessary

• Plan and execute media events when necessary

• Serve as Public Information Officer during crisis situations

• Develop and implement social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

• Curate and manage content for all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others.

• Monitor social media trends and analytics to optimize content and engagement.

You Have:

• 2 - 4 years of experience in a communications role

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with translating technical concepts into consumer-friendly language

• Strong project management skills and experience working effectively within and across different teams

• Ability to meet deadlines, and work under pressure on several projects simultaneously

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of organization

• Knowledge of Power, Gas and Utility industries would be considered an asset

• On the record and reporter interfacing experience is preferred

• Undergraduate degree, with a major in Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field as an added benefit

We offer a competitive salary range of $82,000 to $117,500 per year, commensurate with experience, education, and skills. In addition, we provide a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The Company values diversity in its workforce and encourages United States military veterans and service members who meet the qualifications to apply.

For Canadian hires: AltaGas hires personnel on the basis of job-related qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to a person's ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.