Director of Media Relations

General Summary

Plays a critical role in shaping and promoting Rayburn Country Electric Cooperative, Inc's (Rayburn) public image and reputation. Builds and maintains relationships with media outlets, manages external communication strategies, and leads efforts to enhance the visibility of Rayburn's brand and initiatives. Works closely with senior leadership and the communications team. Oversees media outreach, press releases, and crisis communication. Cultivates positive relationships with members of the community, organizations, and stakeholders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Knowledge

• Develops and executes effective media strategies that align with Rayburn's objectives and promotes advocacy on key issues.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, manages all press engagements and interviews.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with local, regional, and industry-specific media outlets.
• Writes, reviews, and distributes press releases, media advisories, and other public-facing communications.
• Coordinates press events, briefings, and speaking engagements for Rayburn executives and key stakeholders.
• Monitors media coverage and provides insights and reports to senior leadership, offers recommendations for optimizing public engagement.
• Collaborates with internal teams to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with Rayburn's strategic communications goals.
• Leads crisis communication efforts, ensures prompt, accurate, and effective messaging during high-stakes situations.
• Manages and grows Rayburn's media presence across digital platforms, including social media, ensuring alignment with broader marketing and communications efforts.
• Stays current on industry trends and provides thought leadership on best practices in media relations and communication strategies.
• Provides media training to executives and subject matter experts to prepare them for public and media-facing engagements.
• Supports community events, engagements, etc. to foster positive relationships with members of the community, organizations, and stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities

• Complies with all policies, procedures and confidentiality agreements effective as a result of employment with Rayburn.
• Shares information with Rayburn management and staff, contractors, and other third parties in a timely manner, as required.
• Delegates jobs and tasks to appropriate employees, providing complete information and resources to properly complete such jobs and tasks.
• Provides Rayburn management with updates and/or reports on work and tasks as requested or required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or executive management.

Job Specifications / Skills Required

Education:

Bachelor's degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field required.

Experience:

7+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within the energy, utility, or related industry.

Skills:
• Proven experience in developing and executing media relations strategies.
• Strong media contacts and demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with journalists and outlets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong crisis communication skills and experience managing high-pressure media situations.
• Proficient in digital media and social media platforms as communication tools.
• Ability to think strategically, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively across teams.
• Knowledge of energy, utility, or cooperative sectors is a plus.

Physical Demands
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a computer workstation.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions in order to use a computer keyboard, mouse, etc.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; open file cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Location: Fate, TX, US

Posted Date: 9/29/2024