Senior Communications Specialist (Portland, OR) #109970

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PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

General Purpose

Provides advice and counsel to management and client organizations. Conducts special studies and analyses, develops alternatives, presents recommendations to management and influences management decisions.  Researches, analyzes, develops and implements and measure outcomes of new strategies, programs, and/or processes in response to changing internal and external conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic external communications that are highly sensitive, complex, and political in nature.
• Interact with media, offer interviews, and act as a spokesperson for the Company.
• Train subject matter experts to serve as spokespersons as necessary and help prepare spokespersons for media interviews.
• Influence programs to address ongoing issues as well as initiatives that focus on protecting and enhancing the business objectives and reputation of the company.
• Promote a general environment of understanding in support of the company’s overall strategy, policies and priorities. 
• Proactively develop and lead communication strategy around key issues including company projects, initiatives and efforts.
• Provide external communications counsel and support to business units within the company.
• Manage the communications aspects of activities within service area that could impact the company’s reputation.  
• Create and implement communication plans, messages, news releases, speeches, presentations and other communications materials. 
• Serve as a key contact for media on often volatile and sensitive topics.
• Focus on media relations that are prioritized, focused, proactive, integrated and consistent. 
• Promote opportunities through media avenues to influence key external stakeholder groups and enhance their understanding and support of the company. 
• Develop and implement various crisis and emergency response activities.  
• Collaborate with other members of team in an environment of shared information and ongoing efforts to cross-train and develop bench strength on complex issues company faces.
• Review and evaluate effectiveness of communications efforts and incorporate data and other findings to improve subsequent activities. 
   

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A minimum of seven years experience in external communications, media, or public relations roles. 
• Proven experience translating complex issues into understandable language. 
• Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive corporate communications plans and programs to address key issues and opportunities. 
• Communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to establish trust, maintain confidence, and understand social behavior and interactions.  
• Ability to work with all levels of an organization to influence actions and negotiate outcomes.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively through oral and written means. 
• Ability to operate in a complex and rapidly changing business environment. 
• Ability to judge priorities for the best interests of the company while meeting multiple deadlines. 
• Experience working with the deadlines and information needs of media, including trades, newspapers and broadcast reporters. 
• Proficient with the use of personal computers to gather, analyze, and summarize data. 
• Knowledge of research, analysis, and consulting techniques, Company policies, procedures, practices, and applicable federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations.  

Preferences

• Advanced Degree

Additional Information

Req Id: 109970 
Company Code: PacifiCorp   
Primary Location: PORTLAND     
Department: Pacific Power 
Schedule: FT
Personnel Subarea: Exempt
Hiring Range: $98,200.00 - $115,500.00  
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 15% of salary.  

Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US 

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

At PacifiCorp, we celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion. PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.