External Affairs Specialist

About the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC):

The OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem-solving. For more information about the OUCC, visit the Website, Twitter, or Facebook.

Role Overview: 

The selected candidate will be expected to lead communications efforts regarding utility regulatory cases and consumer education. They will answer consumer inquiries and will develop publications, social media posts, and website content to help educate Hoosier consumers. The selected candidate will work as a liaison with other agency divisions and case teams that include attorneys, financial analysts, accountants, engineers, and other specialists. The candidate will also attend public field hearings and may be asked to speak publicly to explain the regulatory process to large groups and members of the news media. This position will require an individual skilled in written communications and proofreading. The selected candidate will also be expected to assemble graphics for social media, publications, and other mediums. Training opportunities for Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop will be provided. The candidate must be able to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks with limited to moderate supervision and will report directly to the External Affairs Director. 

Salary Statement: 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $63,000.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as the agency's coordinator of consumer outreach, including the establishment of partnerships with external organizations throughout Indiana. This includes attending events on behalf of the OUCC and offering public remarks as needed.
• Assist in assembling written consumer education materials such as publications, website content, and social media. 
• Serve as the primary agency contact for consumer inquiries via telephone and email.
• Serve as the secondary agency contact for media and legislative inquiries. 
• Manage consumer comments in pending cases, including intake, external responses, and internal coordination.
• Advise the External Affairs Director on social media, website, and other external communications. Develop social media and other external communications content as needed.
• Interact with all agency employees to varying degrees and work with employees in other governmental agencies, government officials, and the general public.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with legislative sessions, including bill tracking and committee monitoring. 
• Maintain agency brand materials, including, but not limited to, creating employee email signatures for new employees.
• Manage and interpret data for the agency’s website, newsletter, and social media pages.
• Serve as the secondary agency contact for media and governmental inquiries.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in communications, journalism, marketing, political science, business or public administration, or related field is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communications skills are crucial to this position. Experience in working with the media and writing in AP style is preferred but not required. 
• Must be able to interpret policy and procedures and maintain strong interpersonal relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines are essential for success. 
• Experience in customer service, social media, web design, journalism, or other related fields is preferred but not required. 
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively.
• Competent in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, and Excel. 
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is helpful but not required. 
• Working knowledge of the utility industry and current issues is helpful but not required.