Communications Executive (Public Relations)

If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12:00 am on that date:

About the position:

The Communications Executive - Public Relations is a strong writer, communicator and storyteller with experience working in media relations and various facets of communications in order to improve customer satisfaction. This position is responsible for effectively working with departments throughout Ameren to develop and execute successful communications plans to inform and educate audiences such as news media, stakeholders such as community/civic leaders, and co-workers. The Communications Executive is an organized, experienced communications professional and team player with a demonstrated ability to develop and deepen relationships that enable the Communications Executive to become a trusted partner. The Communications Executive will be a hybrid co-worker and is required to attend occasional in-person department and strategic meetings and other obligations at Ameren Headquarters and at other company facilities in Missouri and Illinois.

Key responsibilities include:

• Writing memorable and compelling communications, including news releases, letters, web copy, speeches, media statements, talking points and stories for various communications channels.
• Acting as a strategic communications partner focused on various Ameren departments to meet their communications needs and achieve company goals and objectives. Specific responsibilities include support for the following areas:
  • Electric reliability/Smart Energy Plan communications
  • Power Operations and Shoreline communications
  • Economic Development public relations campaigns and announcements
  • Digital public relations campaigns and announcements
  • Other Ameren campaigns or program opportunities and investments that benefit customers
• Preparing internal executive team members and subject matter experts to articulate Ameren's public, customer-focused messages.
• Demonstrating strong project management skills to execute many communications tactics simultaneously while driving positive results.
• Coordinating and staffing media events throughout the service territory on an as-needed basis, requiring some (generally same day) travel.
• Partnering with other members of the communications team, including co-workers with an expertise in social media, web, brand and internal communications, to successfully execute integrated communications plans. This includes tracking key performance indicators and collaborating with channel managers.
• Working on storm and crisis communications as needed to communicate with Ameren's customers, media and other key stakeholders, which can require working outside of standard business hours.
• Ensuring plans are executed on time and on budget to meet goals.
• Contributing to project teams as requested.
• Serving on media relations response team, which includes periodic staffing of the media hotline after hours.
• Advising and assisting with messaging to build an understanding of the company's position and goals.
• Maintaining positive relationships with reporters, editors, news directors and key journalists to promote accurate coverage.
• Providing thoughtful counsel to leadership and other personnel as needed to ensure that company priorities are consistently communicated to internal and external audiences.
• Working safely and in compliance at all times with legal, regulatory and ethical standards.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Advanced degree preferred. Must have strong writing and strategic thinking skills with five or more years of professional communications experience in writing and executing strategic communications plans and content. Candidate must be a strong team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Prior experience in utility industry, journalism or with a public relations or advertising agency is highly valued.

In addition to the above qualifications, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Contemporary understanding of the evolving communications landscape, channels and audience.
• A solid grasp of the intended audience(s) and an aptitude for effective communications.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to create engaging content.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and build credibility/rapport with stakeholders and co-workers at all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of digital media.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically SharePoint, and other basic communications tools.

Additional information:

Ameren's selection process includes a series of interviews and may include candidate testing and/or an individual aptitude or skill-based assessment. Specific details will be provided to qualified candidates.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.