What are the responsibilities and job description for the External Communications Cnslt position at Consumers Energy?
Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.
Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).
The External Communications Consultant engages with a variety of external audiences through multiple communication channels, including earned and owned media. This role ensures that messaging is effectively implemented and that all materials meet company standards and guidelines, aligning with the organization's mission, brand, philanthropic goals, and strategic priorities. The consultant collaborates with internal subject matter experts to define external messaging, identify business needs and challenges, develop appropriate communication strategies, and manage review cycles. Additionally, this role partners with stakeholders to ensure the fulfillment of corporate sponsorships, recognition, and associated benefits. This position requires a strategic communicator and relationship builder who can foster strong partnerships that enhance and protect the company's external reputation.
This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for external communications strategy, including public relations and marketing for large-scale company generation projects such as solar, battery storage, and natural gas plants, working with media and other external audiences and stakeholders. The position requires a candidate with a broad range of communication skill sets, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, communications planning, project management, and both technical and creative writing, as well as expertise in public relations.
This role will lead the development and execution of communication strategies that highlight and promote company generation projects across the state and within local communities. Responsibilities include preparing communication strategies, customer outreach materials, news releases, talking points, briefing memos, and social media content. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Measure the effectiveness of external communication efforts, identify areas for improvement, and provide data-driven recommendations.
- Oversee the execution of a variety of communication materials, including the development of comprehensive communication plans (e.g., key messages, timelines, stakeholders, audiences, channels, and visual assets), and manage all components to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
- Lead the development of crisis communication plans and provide support during high-impact events.
- Collaborate with leaders and teams across business areas to develop tailored external communication strategies aligned with their goals and needs. Identify opportunities for synergy and alignment to ensure a cohesive brand image across the organization.
- Produce high-quality communication content that conveys key messages effectively across channels. Serve as a primary writer/editor for the assigned area, providing editing and review of messages for internal clients, including external communications. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
- Ensure consistent application of corporate brand standards across all communication channels.
- Perform other duties as assigned or as necessary.
- Be part of the company's media after hours on-call rotation serving as a spokesperson for Consumers Energy when the company is experiencing outages, storms, natural gas emergencies and other company-related events.
- Strong presentation, verbal and written communications skills, be able to handle several issues at one time and accurately and clearly speak to those issues on behalf of the company.
- Be able to build, maintain and enhance relationships with key reporters in our state.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills in AP Style with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to develop and execute communication plans.
- Technically proficient with industry-standard tools and applications.
- Strong consulting and strategic relationship-building skills.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and adapt to the needs of various business units.
- Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in external communications.
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, public affairs, community affairs, communications, journalism, media/digital media, or a related field, with two (2) or more years of experience in external communications, public relations, or a related field
- [OR] Associate's degree in one of the above fields, with four (4) or more years of relevant experience
- [OR] High school diploma with six (6) or more years of relevant experience.
- All candidates must have demonstrated professional writing experience and experience building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
Why should you join our team?
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
What we offer:
- Competitive compensation packages
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- 401k with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Up to 13 paid Holidays
- Paid time off
- Educational Assistance Program
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.