Public Relations Specialist II - Senior

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $78,100.00 - $93,800.00

Public Relations Specialist II or Senior Public Relations Specialist
Position Summary
The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is looking for a self-starter to join its award-winning Public Relations & Marketing Department. Responsible for corporate communications, the department develops and maintains BWL’s corporate voice across internal communications and external customer relations while respecting and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Reporting to the Public Relations & Marketing Manager, the Public Relations Specialist will work closely with departments throughout the company, including Government and Community Relations and Customer Operations. The ideal candidate is passionate about public relations and can pivot seamlessly between developing creative and engaging social media content, managing corporate communications initiatives and responding to media inquiries during a crisis. The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting a wide range of public relations and corporate communications initiatives designed to build and strengthen BWL’s brand among employees, customers and external stakeholders. The position may be filled at the Public Relations Specialist II or Senior Public Relations Specialist level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience and demonstrated level of responsibility.

Core Responsibilities — All Levels

Keep a pulse on social media trends to create relevant and engaging social media content while building and strengthening the BWL brand online.

Assist with updating BWL’s external website content.

Utilize online monitoring tools and reporting platforms to create media reports, dashboards and other analysis as needed.

Support media relations activities under the direction of the Public Relations & Marketing Manager, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating media interviews and staffing media interviews.

Write, develop and manage approvals for fact sheets, the internal quarterly magazine, customer bill inserts, awards submissions and other communications materials.

Produce well-crafted, compelling written content for communications and marketing initiatives.

Support and develop internal communication channels, including BWL’s internal digital signage network and weekly announcements.

Successfully manage complex, fast-moving and unexpected communications challenges.

Assist with general administrative support for communications department activities, including company event photography, records retention and maintaining constituent contact lists.

Work closely with stakeholders throughout the organization to ensure brand, voice and messaging consistency.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessitated by the needs of the department.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs. Works in temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Public Relations Specialist II Starting wage: $78,100 – $93,800
Level II Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Public Public Relations Specialist II will:

Support the development and execution of public relations and corporate communications initiatives.

Assist with media relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and supporting media interview logistics.

Develop communications materials and coordinate the internal approval process.

Contribute to social media strategy and content development based on current trends and organizational priorities.

Support communications planning and execution for company initiatives, events and projects.

Apply sound judgment when managing sensitive communications matters and escalating issues appropriately.

Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining quality, accuracy and consistency.

Provide communications support during complex, fast-moving or unexpected situations.

Required
Qualifications — Public Relations Specialist II

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or a related discipline.

Minimum of three years of public relations, communications or similar professional experience.

Strong understanding of social media platforms, media management and Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365.

Superior written and oral communication skills with a strong understanding of AP Style.

Exceptional professional and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees and stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.

Excellent time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Outstanding organizational, planning and problem-solving skills.

Self-starter with an excellent work ethic and a positive, proactive approach.

Demonstrated judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Ability to work after-hours and support a non-traditional schedule, as needed. This position will be required to participate in an on-call rotation.

Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

Familiarity with basic graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva.

Senior Public Relations Specialist Starting wage: $96,400 – $117,600
Senior-Level Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Senior Public Relations Specialist will:

Assume a greater level of strategic ownership,

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