Digital Communications Specialist

Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for a Digital Communications Specialist who will support the Director of Digital Communications and the Communications & Marketing division by creating and coordinating clear, engaging digital, visual, and written content across Union Power Cooperative's communication channels, using current digital tools, while advancing the Cooperative's mission, vision, and guiding values through consistent, accurate, and effective communications.

Essential Duties of the Position:

1. Assist with the creation and design of graphics, visual elements, and digital assets for publications, social media, website content, presentations, advertisements, and other communications materials.
2. Support the development, scheduling, and publishing of content for the corporate website, social media channels, intranet, and other digital communication platforms.
3. Assist with maintaining the Cooperative's social media content calendar, including drafting posts, preparing visuals, monitoring engagement, and helping ensure content is timely, accurate, and consistent with brand standards.
4. Utilize Cooperative-approved AI tools to support content ideation, drafting, editing, design, image and video production, and workflow efficiency. Review all AI-assisted content for accuracy, brand consistency, and appropriate use before publication, and follow Cooperative guidelines on data privacy and responsible AI use.
5. Create and update design elements and layouts for all communications collateral, digital and written, under the direction of the Director of Digital Communications.
6. Assist with the creative development, implementation, and performance tracking of advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns.
7. Support photography and videography needs, including capturing, organizing, editing, and archiving photo and video assets for Cooperative use.
8. Assist with special event planning and communications support, including the annual membership meeting and other Cooperative events.
9. Assist with crisis communications efforts during major events, including storms and large outages, by supporting content preparation, digital updates, monitoring, and coordination as directed.
10. Stay informed of evolving communications trends, digital tools, AI technologies, analytics practices, accessibility practices, and platform best practices to support effective digital communications.
11. Support management and staff with community relations, public relations, employee communications, presentations, and marketing initiatives as assigned.
12. Help ensure communications materials are accurate, visually consistent, appropriately branded, and aligned with Cooperative messaging.
13. Maintain organized digital files, creative assets, templates, photo libraries, and related project materials.
14. Performs all other duties assigned by supervision.

Work Qualifications:

1. Associate degree in graphic design, communications, marketing, digital media, or related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
2. One to three years of related work experience preferred. Experience with energy utilities, cooperatives, trade associations, or community-focused organizations is a plus.
3. Must have strong written and oral communication skills.
4. Must have working knowledge of content creation for traditional and digital platforms.
5. Must be proficient with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and/or related design tools.
6. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and other standard business applications.
7. Must have experience using content management systems, website tools, and social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms as applicable.
8. Basic proficiency with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Adobe Express, Canva, or similar applications preferred.
9. Must have working knowledge of digital camera and video camera operation, lighting concepts, and basic editing techniques.
10. Must have the ability to manage multiple assignments, follow direction, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.
11. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
12. Must be willing to work occasional overtime and travel. Must be willing to work during crisis conditions such as storms and any other major power outage situations.