Nashville Public Radio
External Communications Specialist
Nashville Public Radio, Fredericksburg, Virginia, us, 22403
We’re Hiring: External Communications Specialist
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative | Fredericksburg, VA
About the Role The External Communications Specialist leads the development, execution and management of communications shared with REC’s 184,000+ member‑owners and the public. You will ensure REC’s mission, values and strategic priorities shine through every touch point, which include newsletters, digital channels, media releases, web content, crisis messaging and more.
This position plays a key role in strengthening REC’s brand, elevating member engagement and ensuring our Cooperative’s story is told with accuracy, consistency and heart.
What You’ll Do: Content Creation & Brand Storytelling
Write, edit and publish content for newsletters, bill inserts, external campaigns and member communications.
Develop editorial plans that advance REC’s strategic communication goals.
Produce and coordinate content across print, digital, photography, Constant Contact emails and other channels.
Maintain REC’s external website, ensuring content is timely, accurate and user‑focused.
Collaborate closely with the Brand Content Specialist, Digital Media Specialist and cross‑functional teams to ensure unified messaging across all platforms.
Media & Public Relations
Draft and distribute planned and emergency media releases.
Support REC’s public image through proactive media engagement and relationship‑building.
Serve as a liaison to community groups, trade associations and external partners.
Crisis Communications
Work with leadership to execute external messaging during outages, storms and high‑impact events.
Communicate clearly, calmly and accurately during emergencies.
Analytics & Reporting
Track communication performance using tools such as Google Analytics and CMS reporting.
Measure campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements driven by data and audience insights.
Community Engagement
Represent REC at community events, professional organizations and stakeholder meetings.
Partner with Economic Development and Government Affairs teams on communications that may involve sensitive or high‑visibility matters.
Qualifications: We’d love to meet you if you bring:
A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
3+ years of experience
in external communications or PR.
Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Experience developing multi‑channel communication content (newsletter, web, email, digital media).
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to align messaging across internal teams.
Experience with digital tools such as Sprout Social, Constant Contact, Drupal and Google Analytics.
Proven ability to stay composed under pressure, especially during outages or crises.
Flexibility to adjust schedules as needed for media events, emergencies or major communications needs.
Work Environment
Primary location:
Fredericksburg, VA , with occasional work at district offices and in the field.
Standard hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM , with flexibility during emergencies or major events.
Some travel required for community events, media engagements, interviews, and trainings.
Ready to Make an Impact? At REC, you will be part of a mission‑driven team committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity while keeping our members informed and connected. If you want your work to matter and your voice to help shape a strong cooperative future, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help tell the REC story.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Role The External Communications Specialist leads the development, execution and management of communications shared with REC’s 184,000+ member‑owners and the public. You will ensure REC’s mission, values and strategic priorities shine through every touch point, which include newsletters, digital channels, media releases, web content, crisis messaging and more.
This position plays a key role in strengthening REC’s brand, elevating member engagement and ensuring our Cooperative’s story is told with accuracy, consistency and heart.
What You’ll Do: Content Creation & Brand Storytelling
Write, edit and publish content for newsletters, bill inserts, external campaigns and member communications.
Develop editorial plans that advance REC’s strategic communication goals.
Produce and coordinate content across print, digital, photography, Constant Contact emails and other channels.
Maintain REC’s external website, ensuring content is timely, accurate and user‑focused.
Collaborate closely with the Brand Content Specialist, Digital Media Specialist and cross‑functional teams to ensure unified messaging across all platforms.
Media & Public Relations
Draft and distribute planned and emergency media releases.
Support REC’s public image through proactive media engagement and relationship‑building.
Serve as a liaison to community groups, trade associations and external partners.
Crisis Communications
Work with leadership to execute external messaging during outages, storms and high‑impact events.
Communicate clearly, calmly and accurately during emergencies.
Analytics & Reporting
Track communication performance using tools such as Google Analytics and CMS reporting.
Measure campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements driven by data and audience insights.
Community Engagement
Represent REC at community events, professional organizations and stakeholder meetings.
Partner with Economic Development and Government Affairs teams on communications that may involve sensitive or high‑visibility matters.
Qualifications: We’d love to meet you if you bring:
A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
3+ years of experience
in external communications or PR.
Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Experience developing multi‑channel communication content (newsletter, web, email, digital media).
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to align messaging across internal teams.
Experience with digital tools such as Sprout Social, Constant Contact, Drupal and Google Analytics.
Proven ability to stay composed under pressure, especially during outages or crises.
Flexibility to adjust schedules as needed for media events, emergencies or major communications needs.
Work Environment
Primary location:
Fredericksburg, VA , with occasional work at district offices and in the field.
Standard hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM , with flexibility during emergencies or major events.
Some travel required for community events, media engagements, interviews, and trainings.
Ready to Make an Impact? At REC, you will be part of a mission‑driven team committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity while keeping our members informed and connected. If you want your work to matter and your voice to help shape a strong cooperative future, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help tell the REC story.
#J-18808-Ljbffr