Strategic Communications Manager

Orion Strategies is hiring a Strategic Communication Manager for its Charleston, WV office. Candidates with experience in energy, health care, policy, and community outreach or engagement are preferred.

Our firm serves national, regional and state clients in various industries through public relations, governmental affairs, research and polling, stakeholder relations, grassroots advocacy, community outreach, coalition building, and creative services.

We offer attractive, experience-based compensation and a generous benefits package for full-time employees.

This position is based in Orion Strategies’ Charleston, WV office and requires in-person work. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.

Please submit a cover letter and your resume. No phone calls, please. Applicants will be asked to provide writing samples prior to interviewing.

Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Principal Responsibilities

• Support state and local government relations efforts for clients, including legislative, regulatory, executive branch, county, and municipal outreach.
• Monitor state and local government activity, including legislation, committee meetings, agency actions, local government agendas, public meetings, and policy developments relevant to client interests.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with elected officials, government staff, agency representatives, community leaders, business organizations, civic groups, trade associations, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting summaries, legislative updates, stakeholder reports, client memos, talking points, letters, fact sheets, and other written materials.
• Coordinate and participate in meetings with legislators, local officials, agency staff, community leaders, and project stakeholders.
• Execute stakeholder engagement strategies, including one-on-one outreach, phone calls, in-person meetings, community briefings, public information sessions, and follow-up communications.
• Assist with coalition-building and grassroots or grasstops outreach efforts to support client goals.
• Help clients communicate clearly about public policy issues, community projects, business priorities, and other matters involving public audiences.
• Support media relations and public communications efforts, including drafting news releases, op-eds, media pitches, statements, social media content, and background materials.
• Monitor and report on media, social media, public meetings, and stakeholder activity affecting client projects.
• Coordinate public meetings, community events, briefings, tours, presentations, and related logistics.
• Represent Orion Strategies professionally in client meetings, government settings, community events, and public-facing environments.
• Support other client projects and firm priorities as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience or education in public affairs, government relations, communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, or related fields.
• Knowledge of state and local government, legislative processes, public policy, community engagement, or advocacy.
• Strong writing, editing, research, and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with colleagues across offices and practice areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and common digital communications tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Three or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience preparing written materials for clients, executives, public officials, media, or external audiences.
• Familiarity with West Virginia government, policy issues, communities, or public affairs is preferred.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person