Senior Communication Specialist

Position Summary

The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans that strengthen customer and employee engagement while promoting New Braunfels Utilities' (NBU) services and values. This role crafts clear, compelling messages that simplify complex issues, ensuring consistent and effective communication across all channels. Working collaboratively within the Enterprise Communications team, the Senior Communications Specialist helps foster a connected workforce and creates initiatives that enhance the company’s visibility and presence in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Write, edit and manage website content, guest columns, talking points, speeches, social media, newsletters, and press materials.
• Ensure consistency in messaging, tone and branding across all communications.
• Create press releases and assist with coordinating interviews.
• Prepare company representatives for interviews by providing talking points, background materials and media coaching.
• Work with a team to develop social media content and adhere to posting schedules.
• Support the development of crisis communication plans, preparing statements, FAQs and proactive media responses.
• Manage communication during emergencies or other high-pressure situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to create and disseminate internal communications, including employee updates, newsletters and intranet content.
• Coordinate with partners, vendors and community stakeholders on communication needs and event support.
• Track and analyze communication metrics (e.g., media coverage, social media engagement) to measure campaign effectiveness. Adjusts strategies accordingly.
• Serve as lead on projects proactively and as requested
• Train new employees
• While not the primary function, this role is a backup to the Senior Social Media Specialist.
• Execute other Communication duties, tasks and special projects as assigned.
  
  

General Responsibilities

• Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines
• Project a professional image for the Enterprise Communication Department and NBU.
• Adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times and in all situations
• Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable
• Develop & maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general
• Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents
• Adhere to NBU policies and procedures
• Exemplifies NBU Core Values of Integrity, Stewardship, Team, Culture and Safety
• Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures
  
  

Formal Education And Work Experience Requirements

Degree/Diploma Obtained: Bachelors

Work Experience Time Frame: Three Years or More Field of Study: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or related field.

Other: Experience may be substituted for education.

Certification And Licensures Requirements

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Qualifications

Other Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Public Relations or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Proactive, independent problem solver.
• Exemplary critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Proficient grammar and writing skills for digital platforms, including website copy, newsletters, and internal and external communications; proofreading required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Media relations or news background.
• Utility sector experience.
• Fluent in Spanish a plus.
• Photography skills a plus.
• Experience with Canva or other online graphic design tool are a plus.