Communications Strategist (Hybrid - La Crosse, WI)

Hiring Salary Range: $68,800 - $103,200

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level

PURPOSE: Supports Dairyland Power Cooperative’s communications and stakeholder engagement efforts for assigned transmission projects, business initiatives and external-facing priorities under the guidance of a senior communications resource, supervisor or communications leader. Responsibilities include assisting with communication planning, coordinating project materials, tracking stakeholder engagement activities, preparing written and digital content and supporting outreach efforts within approved messaging, plans and escalation protocols. This position requires strong writing, composure, professional presence and sound judgment when supporting high-profile, visible or sensitive communications work, while continuing to build deeper knowledge of Dairyland’s business, cooperative model, utility industry and stakeholder engagement practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead with a safety-first mindset while supporting communication planning, stakeholder engagement and outreach activities for assigned projects and initiatives. Assist the Communications Strategist, supervisor or project lead in preparing communication schedules, key messages, outreach materials and engagement plans focused on community outreach, education, public relations and stakeholder awareness.

• Coordinate assigned communication activities with internal team members, project partners and external vendors to support consistent messaging and timely execution. Assist with public meetings, open houses, community events, press activities and stakeholder engagement efforts using approved materials and direction from the Communications Strategist or supervisor.

• Prepare, edit and coordinate written, visual and digital communication materials, including presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web and social media content, project updates and other materials for review and approval prior to release.

• Track established project communication metrics, monitor stakeholder feedback and assist with analysis of communication and engagement results. Identify potential adjustments for review and escalate significant concerns to the project lead or supervisor.

• Assist in preparing project status updates and presentation materials for leadership, internal project teams, member cooperatives and other identified stakeholders. Help communicate approved plans for communications and stakeholder engagement and identify emerging stakeholder or community concerns for escalation.

• Support assigned internal and external public relations activities in coordination with communications, government affairs, grants, regulatory affairs and other departments. Conduct research, draft messaging, gather information, coordinate logistics and help maintain project documentation and communication materials.

• Respond to routine internal or external inquiries related to assigned initiatives within approved messaging and direction. Refer sensitive, unresolved or higher-risk matters to the Communications Strategist, supervisor or appropriate leader.

• As needed, serve as a communications generalist by producing written and digital content, supporting events, coordinating communication requests and contributing to Dairyland’s broader internal and external communication initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications or related field with minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, community engagement or related work. Experience in the utility industry, cooperative environment, project communications or stakeholder engagement preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to support high-profile stakeholder interactions professionally, listen actively, communicate clearly, maintain composure in challenging environments and work within approved messaging and escalation protocols.

• Strong project coordination and relationship building skills, with an ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety and operational excellence.

• Strong organizational and coordination skills necessary to support communication plans, outreach activities, schedules, materials and project documentation.

• Ability to learn and communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues and challenges to varied audiences with guidance.

• Excellent verbal, written, digital/social media and interpersonal skills required, as are organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Goal-oriented self-starter with initiative, attention to detail and ability to manage assigned work with appropriate guidance and supervision.

• Sound judgment, tact, discretion and courtesy in oral and written communications, with ability to recognize sensitive or higher-risk matters and escalate appropriately.

• Strong writing and editing skills using proper grammar, clear sentence construction, journalistic standards and AP style.

• Ability to professionally represent Dairyland in a variety of business, legislative and public forums, potentially including the news media, within approved messaging and direction from communications leadership.

• Solutions-oriented, creative thinker with the ability to build collaborative working relationships.

• Ability to work effectively with peers and all levels of management to support communications strategies and engagement efforts.

• Ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgment and manage assigned responsibilities in stressful situations, high-visibility settings and shifting priorities.

• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across functions and business lines, build credibility with internal partners and demonstrate Dairyland’s core values in interactions with customers, peers, co-workers and leadership.

• Ability to quickly learn Dairyland policies and procedures.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS:

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)

• Life insurance

• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Robust Wellness Program

• New Flexible Work Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.