FLORIDA MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

POSITION DESCRIPTION

OFFICIAL TITLE:                    COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

REPORTS TO:                       DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

SUPERVISES:                       NONE

FLSA STATUS:                      EXEMPT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Florida Municipal Electric Association’s Communications Specialist requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position researches and compiles industry-related news, lays out a weekly email newsletter, and distributes it to FMEA association members. The Communications Specialist manages and creates content for association social media accounts. The position assists in and coordinates messaging, toolkits, and talking points from research through execution. The position works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, and Creative Director to positively promote FMEA’s image and initiatives and provide support to FMEA association members to promote public power in their communities. Ability to research, write in-depth articles, copy edit, produce engaging content and work collaboratively is a must.

About FMEA: The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of Florida’s 33 public power communities. FMEA is the statewide trade association and voice for Florida’s municipal electric utilities.

FMEA provides its members with government relations, mutual aid coordination, communications, education, and networking opportunities. The association is at the forefront of energy industry news and trends and supports its member utilities by promoting public power and delivering superior services through advocacy, mutual aid, education, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Researches energy and utility-related news articles from local, statewide and national media sources. Compiles and formats those news stories for the weekly FMEA Headline News and builds the newsletter in Constant Contact for distribution.
2. Manages and maintains news subscription services and agreements.
3. Manages and creates content for FMEA social media accounts, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube under the guidance of the Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications. Researches, identifies and integrates emerging social media trends, tools, and applications when appropriate.
4. Assists in writing, editing, proofreading and revising communications using AP Stylebook rules.
5. Assists with the development and implementation of communications and public affairs campaigns, including advertising campaigns.
6. Engages with FMEA staff and FMEA members to identify potential stories under the direction of the Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications.
7. Ensures consistent messaging and brand integrity to maintain and promote a positive image on behalf of the association and its members.
8. Collaborates with and assists FMEA staff in researching, developing and executing various communications tools and resources for FMEA members and internal use. Tools and resources include but are not limited to social media toolkits, talking points, press release templates, graphics, short videos, etc.
9. Assists with the development of talking points or fact sheets on a variety of topics.
10. Serves on the editorial team for quarterly Relay Magazine. Assists in development of edition outline, researches and writes articles, and edits drafts prior to publication.
11. Helps support conferences, trade shows, special events, and member visits to promote FMEA and FMEA members. Assists with the management of conference AV equipment and FMEA supplies.
12. Transports conference supplies to and from FMEA events across Florida via rental van (must have valid Florida Driver’s license)
13. In collaboration with Manager of Member Services and Programs, research, compiles, and creates content for quarterly Diversity in Florida Public Power e-newsletter.
14. Other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading and task management skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented; excellent follow-through and results-oriented.
• Ability to take direction from multiple sources and remain flexible with a common goal in mind.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Expertise with AP writing style and using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Proficient in Constant Contact email marketing software.
• Proficient in Google Analytics.
• Proficient in front-end website content editing and membership database management.
• Proficient in social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Ability to develop original content.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage and organize multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to research topics and collaborate with team members to produce content.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, writing, marketing, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Adobe products, including Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Lightroom, Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
• Experience with videography and photography equipment and video production.
• Experience synthesizing and presenting analytics from social media campaigns.
• Professional experience working in an association or in the field of energy or utilities a plus.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Minimal in-state overnight travel for association-hosted events.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disability.)