Lead Community and Government Relations Advisor

JOB SUMMARY: Working directly with the Refinery Leadership Team, and in liaison with the corporate Public Relations staff, the Lead Community and Government Relations Advisor advises on and manages a communications plan to reach, inform, influence, recognize and motivate the Refinery’s employees, as well as the external publics.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES: The Refinery’s communications plan includes, but is not limited to:

Internal Communications:

Objective - to broaden employees’ understanding of the Corporation’s and the Refinery’s mission, goals, processes and activities with the intent to foster teamwork and enhance cooperation.

Tactics:

• Employee Forums - coordinate employee forums to provide employee populace an audience with Refinery Manager (oversee selection and invitation of attendees, record and summarize issues and concerns for publication to entire employee population).
• Communication Specialist - assist management with development of presentations and speeches, media coaching, and enhancement of verbal and written communication skills. Assist with implementation of other effective communication tactics (i.e., surveys, letters, bulletin board and e-mail postings, periodic newsletter inserts) to ensure continued understanding and cooperation with internal audiences.
• Employee Activities – Lead, coordinate, and/or support employee recognition activities
  
  

Media Relations:

Objective - to develop a relationship with local, regional and trade media who will cover the Refinery, in an effort to gain an understanding of their needs while supplying them with means to accurately communicate the Refinery’s mission, goals, procedures and activities, as well as its position on current events.

Tactics:

• Lead spokesperson for the refinery on majority of occasions and issues.
• Crisis Communications – Point spokesperson for media. Advise and assist Refinery Leadership Team with the development of media statements, distribution of fact sheets and other communication tools in the event of an incident. Requires being on call 24/7, this responsibility will be shared with another colleague.
• News Releases - look for opportunities to affirm the unique aspects of the Refinery by submitting to media releases of newsworthy events within the Refinery or involving Refinery employees.
• Corporate Exposure - pursue opportunities to participate in or provide sponsorship for outreach efforts that will broaden the Refinery’s presence in the community (advertising, banner displays, etc.).
  
  

Community and Government Relations:

Objective - to establish connections, and encourage regular participation of Refinery Leadership Team with influential individuals and associations in the community and in government, for the purpose of determining what these publics know of, feel about and need from the Refinery; to provide these publics with appropriate information and understanding of the refinery; and to ensure Refinery management stays abreast of issues and concerns which affect the Refinery and these publics.

Tactics:

• Obtain membership in and encourage Refinery participation in the Chamber of Commerce and other industry associations.
• Develop partnership with local schools, groups, foundations and associations. Work to create and/or sponsor programs with tangible and measurable benefits to the community.
• Manage the distribution of Charitable Contributions to local and regional non-profit organizations.
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Public Affairs, or Journalism preferred. A minimum of 8 years of community relations, media relations or public affairs experience. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills. Strong planning and organizational skills. Knowledge of Desktop publishing and printing process.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.