Communications Specialist (Media Relations)
Alabama Power 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.
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.
Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama.
For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com. Connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service. We have electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. We are committed to innovation, resilience and sustainability, and strive to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our values center the needs of those we serve and support our sustained success. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive programs for eligible employees, and health, welfare and retirement benefits. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program. A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here: https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
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: 18229
Job Category: Communications & External Affairs
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Alabama Power
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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.
Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama.
For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com. Connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service. We have electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. We are committed to innovation, resilience and sustainability, and strive to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our values center the needs of those we serve and support our sustained success. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive programs for eligible employees, and health, welfare and retirement benefits. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program. A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here: https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
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: 18229
Job Category: Communications & External Affairs
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Alabama Power
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