Director of Communications & Energy Policy

Position Summary Description

Directs, Manages, and enhances initiatives regarding communications, member service, and energy policy, including both legislative and regulatory matters at the Federal, State, and local levels, at Seminole Electric Cooperative and in coordination with the nine Member distribution cooperatives it serves in order to advance and support Seminole’s Purpose, values, and core competencies.

Essential Functions

• Communications
  • Manages Seminole’s brand and reputation.
  • Represents Seminole through relationships, programs, and advocacy efforts to influence administrative rulemakings, legislative outcomes or policy development at federal and state levels.
  • Serves as the spokesperson for Seminole and manages all media and crisis communications.
  • Directs and participates in the development and implementation of effective, efficient, and targeted internal and external communication plans and public relations programs.
  • Oversees the planning, content development and design of web-based and digital/multi-media communications.
  • Provides presentations to and regularly interacts with Seminole’s Board of Trustees and plans and oversees communication of pertinent information to nine Member cooperatives.
  • Directs and oversees the writing and editing of all of Seminole’s publications to ensure that quality communication materials are completed and distributed in an accurate, professional, and timely manner.
  • Directs and oversees the development of communication material in support of the CEO, division vice president, executive team, and other Seminole management personnel including speeches, articles, position statements, and other special communications/energy policy support.
  • Directs and oversees planning, coordination, and implementation of special events when assigned such as open houses, ground breakings, dedication ceremonies, plant tours, and other employee and public events as appropriate.
• Energy Policy
  • Manages, develops, and supports Seminole legislative and regulatory policy positions.
  • Serves as a liaison to state and federal agencies as well as elected officials regarding energy policy issues.
  • Analyzes proposed legislative and regulatory initiatives, develops positions, and recommends appropriate action.
  • Delivers presentations regarding communications and energy policy issues to management and staff, Member cooperatives, and at regulatory hearings and community meetings.
• Member Service
  • Supports Member cooperatives with requested communications activities and programs to help maintain their member relations and communications needs.
  • Directs communications and energy policy events and facilitates harmonization of activities and outreach with the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and other associations/regulatory agencies.
  • Oversees Seminole’s communications and energy efficiency working groups.
  • Researches, develops, implements, and oversees new and existing energy services programs to the benefit of Seminole and nine Member cooperatives.
  • Directs coordination of Seminole’s representation at Member cooperatives’ annual meetings and other events as requested.
  • Oversees Seminole meeting and event coordination.
• Community Education, Support, and Economic Development
  • Directs Seminole participation in industry groups, including FCG, Drive Electric Florida, The North Florida Economic Development Partnership, various Chambers of Commerce, and others.
  • Oversees the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of community education, support, and development projects that may be eligible for grants, funding programs, or other financial assistance for Seminole and the Member cooperatives.
  • Sponsors and facilitates relevant pilot projects in the areas of efficient electrification, energy efficiency, demand response, and energy services for the benefit of Seminole and nine Member cooperatives.
• Provides a safe and productive work environment for team members congruent with Seminole’s desired culture and in full support of Seminole’s purpose, core values, core competencies and organizational goals.
• Establishes work plans, budgets, and priorities for the Communications and Energy Policy team to ensure continuity of ongoing work objectives.
• Directs and manages staff and priorities to ensure continuity of ongoing department objectives.
• Performs NERC Compliance Program roles if/as designated in Seminole’s Standard Ownership Matrix (SOM) including ongoing evidence retention in “audit-ready” form as applicable and directed. You should also be familiar with Seminole’s Enterprise Internal Compliance Program (ENT-GCD-RGC-EP-054) to further your understanding of Seminole’s compliance program and the context of your duties and responsibilities attendant to your designation in the SOM.
• Performs other duties as applicable to the position or as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English, communications, journalism, business, marketing, political science, or related field from an accredited College or University is required. A master’s degree or juris doctorate is preferred. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility communications, marketing, legislative, or public relations activities. Supervisory experience is required. Electric utility experience is desirable. Experience with lobbying efforts and legislative outreach, as well as experience in development and administration of electronic and print production, graphic design, web site development, and social media is required.

Core Competencies: Accountable, Adaptable, Collaborative, Ethical, Outcome-Driven, and Professional

Technical Competencies/Skills:

• Lobbying and legislative outreach
• Regulatory experience
• Media Relations
• Spokesperson for Seminole
• Federal and State grant and funding processes
• Oversight of internal and external content building including social media, communication tools, presentations, website
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Customer to grid energy solutions and demand side management familarity

Soft Competencies/Skills:

• Effective verbal/nonverbal, listening, and written communications
• Effective supervision, performance management, and talent development
• Leadership
• Planning
• Organization
• Project management
• Discretion and confidentiality
• Relationship management
• Strategic Mindset

Physical Requirements

Must be able to follow established protective measures including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

Working Conditions

Periods of extensive travel and work outside of normal business hours. While working in certain areas of the plant there is the potential for exposure to hazards typical of an industrial working environment.

“Disclaimer - Management may modify this job description at any time and may require the performance of additional duties, or modification of physical requirements, with or without advance notice.”