Ameren is hiring: Public Relations Strategist in Springfield

Public Relations Strategist

Ameren Services provides administrative support and services to Ameren Corporation and its operating companies, subsidiaries and affiliates. Ameren Services includes a wide range of skill sets and roles, from finance and legal experts to digital and cyber specialists, plus those charged with ensuring environmental compliance and operational safety. Together, we help execute a strategy that enables Ameren to deliver superior long-term value to customers, shareholders and the environment.

The Public Relations Strategist is responsible for strengthening Ameren's reputation and supporting the accomplishment of the company's business objectives through effective public affairs, media relations, issues management, and policy advocacy practices. This individual is a strong writer and strategic communicator capable of communicating effectively in multiple channels to influence Ameren Illinois' key internal and external publics. The Public Relations Strategist leads external communication planning and development for projects as assigned, mines for news about company initiatives and successes, and ensures visibility across the team for consistent messaging, tone, timing and strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working with the Director of Public Relations and the Government Relations team to develop and execute Ameren Illinois' public affairs, legislative, and regulatory communications strategy.
• Supporting development of legislative testimony, fact sheets, white papers, briefing presentations, press releases, talking points, and collateral, as necessary, to support Ameren Illinois public policy initiatives and other business objectives.
• Delivering a broad range of communications to support favorable review of Ameren Illinois' regulatory matters before the Illinois Commerce Commission, including rate case filings.
• Partnering with other members of the communications team, including co-workers with expertise in social media, web/search, brand and internal communications, to successfully develop and execute integrated communications plans.
• Building relationships with statehouse reporters, news directors and journalists/bloggers who cover Illinois energy policy.
• Partnering with customer communications, marketing, social media, community relations, regulatory affairs, government relations, and other departments to manage and protect AIC's reputation among stakeholders.
• Providing communications consultation and services to Ameren functional areas (i.e. operations, customer service, clean energy, etc.) to meet their goals and objectives.
• Maintaining a steady pipeline of earned media opportunities and story pitches to support achievement of company's reputational goals, packaging company news for broadcast, print/web, social media, and other digital outlets.
• Preparing internal subject matter experts for speaking engagements and media interviews to effectively articulate Ameren's public position on various energy topics and issues.
• Managing communications during crisis events such as storms and safety incidents.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required with a preference in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Business.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience leading communication projects, public relations campaigns, etc.
• Strong writing and strategic thinking skills with 5 or more years of professional communications experience in public affairs and strategic communications required.
• Candidate must be a strong team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience working in state government, the energy sector, media, or a public relations firm is preferred.

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

• Fluency with the evolving communications landscape, channels and publics.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to create engaging content for multiple audiences.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and co-workers at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the political/policy environments in Illinois.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and other productivity tools.

Compensation Range: $88,500.00 - $137,200.00

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.