Communications Specialist (Media Relations)
Southern Company, Birmingham, AL, United States
Overview
The Communications Specialist is responsible for proactively developing and executing strategic media plans that generate earned media coverage, strengthen Alabama Power’s reputation, and support business and operational priorities. This role requires strong judgment, creativity, disciplined planning, and the ability to work effectively across departments and with media partners.
What Success Looks Like A successful Communications Specialist anticipates media opportunities, develops compelling and newsworthy story angles, aligns internal partners early, and executes with precision to secure positive earned media coverage. They act as a trusted advisor and, when needed, a confident on‑camera spokesperson.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Media Planning & Execution
Develop strategic communications and media plans aligned to reputation and business needs
Identify proactive earned media opportunities and story ideas
Plan around media cycles, deadlines, and reporter availability
Story Development & Creativity
Translate operational and technical work into compelling, relatable stories
Design creative, visual media opportunities that attract coverage
Identify story angles that resonate with specific outlets and audiences
Media Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets
Research reporters and tailor pitches to outlet interests and timing
Pitch, coordinate, and secure earned media coverage across the state
Stakeholder Collaboration
Identify and engage key internal partners early (e.g., Power Delivery)
Leverage internal relationships to align messaging and logistics
Coordinate across departments to deliver media‑ready stories
Spokesperson & Content Development
Serve as an on‑camera spokesperson when appropriate
Write clear, accurate, and engaging content for online and digital channels
Ensure all messaging aligns with brand and reputation standards
Experience & Qualifications Required
7-10 years of professional experience
in communications, public relations, journalism, or media relations
Demonstrated experience
securing earned media coverage , not just writing or support work
Proven ability to
develop and execute media plans , not solely react to requests
Strong experience
pitching reporters and tailoring stories
to specific outlets
Experience working across multiple departments to deliver communications outcomes
Excellent writing skills for external audiences and digital platforms
Preferred
Experience serving as an
on‑camera spokesperson
or preparing leaders/employees for media
Experience supporting a
large, complex, or operational organization
(e.g., utilities, infrastructure, industrial, or regulated environments)
Existing media relationships in
Alabama or the Southeast
Experience managing communications tied to
reputation, brand, or public trust
Critical Skills & Capabilities
Strategic thinking and proactive planning
Creative storytelling and strong news judgment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong relationship‑building with internal and external partners
Effective time management and execution discipline
Comfort representing the organization publicly and on camera
The successful candidate will work a hybrid schedule with four days onsite and one remote (subject to change due to nature of work) and report to the Media Relations Manager at Alabama Power's Corporate Headquarters in downtown Birmingham, AL.
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.
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What Success Looks Like A successful Communications Specialist anticipates media opportunities, develops compelling and newsworthy story angles, aligns internal partners early, and executes with precision to secure positive earned media coverage. They act as a trusted advisor and, when needed, a confident on‑camera spokesperson.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Media Planning & Execution
Develop strategic communications and media plans aligned to reputation and business needs
Identify proactive earned media opportunities and story ideas
Plan around media cycles, deadlines, and reporter availability
Story Development & Creativity
Translate operational and technical work into compelling, relatable stories
Design creative, visual media opportunities that attract coverage
Identify story angles that resonate with specific outlets and audiences
Media Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets
Research reporters and tailor pitches to outlet interests and timing
Pitch, coordinate, and secure earned media coverage across the state
Stakeholder Collaboration
Identify and engage key internal partners early (e.g., Power Delivery)
Leverage internal relationships to align messaging and logistics
Coordinate across departments to deliver media‑ready stories
Spokesperson & Content Development
Serve as an on‑camera spokesperson when appropriate
Write clear, accurate, and engaging content for online and digital channels
Ensure all messaging aligns with brand and reputation standards
Experience & Qualifications Required
7-10 years of professional experience
in communications, public relations, journalism, or media relations
Demonstrated experience
securing earned media coverage , not just writing or support work
Proven ability to
develop and execute media plans , not solely react to requests
Strong experience
pitching reporters and tailoring stories
to specific outlets
Experience working across multiple departments to deliver communications outcomes
Excellent writing skills for external audiences and digital platforms
Preferred
Experience serving as an
on‑camera spokesperson
or preparing leaders/employees for media
Experience supporting a
large, complex, or operational organization
(e.g., utilities, infrastructure, industrial, or regulated environments)
Existing media relationships in
Alabama or the Southeast
Experience managing communications tied to
reputation, brand, or public trust
Critical Skills & Capabilities
Strategic thinking and proactive planning
Creative storytelling and strong news judgment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong relationship‑building with internal and external partners
Effective time management and execution discipline
Comfort representing the organization publicly and on camera
The successful candidate will work a hybrid schedule with four days onsite and one remote (subject to change due to nature of work) and report to the Media Relations Manager at Alabama Power's Corporate Headquarters in downtown Birmingham, AL.
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.
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