Position Summary
The Communications Specialist effectively communicates the Cooperative’s mission, programs, services, policies, and new developments to the membership, general public, media and employees.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Develops members’ newsletter and employee newsletter by providing accurate, easy to read content, contributions, photography, and articles
• Creates news releases and other media information
• Designs, edits, and maintains current information for the Cooperative website and social media, as well as preparing the editorial and social media calendar monthly and annually
• Assists and advises on creative/media strategy, budget management, message development, creative production, and ad tracking
• Produces Cooperative’s informational materials, including flyers, forms, booklets, brochures, member letters, bill stuffers, and new member packet
• Assists with the following community programs: Bright Ideas, Touchstone Energy Sports Camps, Youth Tour, Co-op Connections, Awareness Committee, Awareness Scholarships, and serves as the cooperative representative for community organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce organizations
• Assists with publicity, planning, and preparation for member involvement in the Annual Meeting and other organized activities
• Builds favorable relations with the public, members, employees, and outside vendors
• Assists with community events, communications committee, and CEO Breakfast
• Handles photography work or contracts with the photographer, including video camera work, as assigned or requested
• Organizes and maintains employee, director, and general photo library
• Assists in the development of internal and external communications and crisis communications

Serves as media contact for general inquiries and provides information to media representatives
• Develops positive relations with reporters/editors to gain positive media publicity
• Encourages and develops member and employee participation and understanding of marketing and public relations programs
• Promotes the Cooperative’s corporate and community image
• Prepares accurate audio/visual and photography presentations
• Provides input for the preparation of the annual departmental budget
• Adheres to budget requirements, schedules, and deadlines
• Provides input for future planning
• Assists other departments when necessary
• Implements assigned long-range and short-range plans and programs
• Utilizes advertising, incentives, member education, and other marketing tools
• Assists in marketing research and marketing plans
• Utilizes computer programs and graphic software needed for assigned duties
• Manages Brand Assets of the Cooperative to ensure their proper use
• Completes specially assigned projects
• Maintains confidentiality of classified information
• Communicates with Department Heads and other personnel to create, edit, and maintain content for social media sites as requested
• Contributes toward achievement of departmental Cooperative goals and objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, English, or related curriculum preferred and Associates Degree required, with additional coursework in computer graphic related software programs. Two years’ work experience in a responsible position involving mass communications and public relations.
• Knowledge of the service area preferred. Must have the skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the public, members, fellow employees, commercial members, etc.
• Must have the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written and verbal form.
• Must have skills in the areas of organizing, planning, directing, and ability to understand Cooperative’s policies and procedures.
• Must be knowledgeable of the service area’s potential growth in economic, agricultural, technical, industrial, and commercial resources. Previous contacts and/or work relationships with associated agencies and organizations preferable.

• Must be able to develop and assist in development of plans and programs in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Must be able to identify measurable performance criteria. Knowledge of data processing methods, procedures, and capabilities required to include: graphics, website design, and related software and skills.
• Must have the commitment to achieve individual, departmental, and Cooperative goals and objectives. 

Must have an interest in improvement of the service area's standard of living, development and advancement of personnel, and fulfillment of the Cooperative’s mission and commitments.
• Must display tolerance and tact in dealing with people. Must demonstrate the ability to work with a diverse population.

About Pee Dee Electric

Pee Dee Electric is a member-owned cooperative that provides reliable electricity and related services while focusing on value, quality customer service, and enhancing life in the communities we serve. Pee Dee Electric is a not-for-profit organization which has been in business since 1939. Our goal is to provide reliable and dependable electric service for our members while providing legendary customer service throughout all levels of our organization. Our service area consists of Anson, Richmond, Union, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, and Scotland counties within North Carolina. Pee Dee Electric is a member-owned distributor of electric power and we serve over 20,000 members within our service territory. Our corporate office is located in Lilesville, NC. Pee Dee Electric is a friendly, service-oriented organization. The employees at Pee Dee Electric are dedicated to helping all members, both large and small. Our commitment to the community proudly makes us the "power of human connections" in the areas we serve.

Connections working at Pee Dee Electric