Supports the execution of public relations and media relations strategy for Southern Company Gas subsidiary, Nicor Gas. Fosters a positive public perception of the company through effective public relations that influence public opinion, promote programs, community involvement, customer support and more. Develops appropriate media relations strategies, crafts media-related materials, provides counsel to company leaders on media relations strategies, conducts interviews and oversees the development and execution of media outreach to maximize accurate and balanced coverage. Implements public relations plans with tactics including press releases, social media, special events, speaking engagements, media pitching, community outreach, earned media opportunities, shared media opportunities and more. Serves as a primary 24/7 media contact and company spokesperson.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Functional Expertise
Coordinate strategy development, positioning and write messaging for earned media including writing and distribution of approved press releases, media advisories and statements, talking points, social media posts, etc.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with regional and local media who cover the company and work to maximize accurate and balanced media coverage to deliver important information to external constituencies.
Work closely with leaders to provide incident response to routine media inquiries as well as unanticipated events, controversial issues and other critical incidents.
Serve as company spokesperson for both proactive and reactive media inquiries, earned media opportunities, etc.
Identify opportunities to influence public perception through audience engagement and assist in developing plans and providing execution of social media messaging that drive website traffic, highlight community impact and manage Nicor Gas brand awareness.
Monitor and archive relevant media coverage and keep accurate records of media inquiries for internal reports.
Provide planning and execution support as needed for media-facing events and executive speaking engagements.
Train designated leaders on messaging and techniques for dealing with media interviews.
Other duties as assigned including media monitoring and coverage analytics.
Business Acumen
Ensure media and PR plans align with business units' objectives and are consistent with corporate goals.
Position Nicor Gas executives as energy and subject matter experts with media.
Track and analyze media coverage and communicate how coverage may potentially impact the company's business.
Implement or drive process improvements.
Monitor trends and innovations in PR and media relations and keep a pulse on companies in the natural gas industry.
Engagement
Collaborate with business leaders and peers across the Southern Company Gas enterprise to achieve PR goals.
Coordinate information sharing and communications activities with other departmental leads, business units, and other functional groups.
Role model honesty, respect, organizational values and fairness towards all.
Driving Results
Analyze media coverage to determine impact/outcomes of media strategy. Monitor progress against metrics/deliverables and create reports on key metrics.
Increase digital/social media presence and grow engagement on various platforms.
Hold self and others accountable for results.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Certifications/Licenses:
Required:
Preferred:
Related Work Experience:
Required:
Preferred:
Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of over four million U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to a supply of clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 3115
Job Category: Communications & External Affairs
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Nicor Gas
