Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC)

POSITION PURPOSE

The Communications Specialist is the Cooperative's principal writer and production manager for member-facing communications. This position writes, edits, and publishes content across the website, member email, social media, and the member newsletter; assists with timely delivery of outage, vegetation, and service notifications; coordinates outside vendors for all graphic, print, and signage production. The position administers the Communications Request process, partnering with departments across the Cooperative so communication needs are fulfilled accurately and on schedule. Strong writing and disciplined project management are the core of this role.

JOB DIMENSIONS

Internal Responsibility Administers the Communications Request process and partners with departments across the Cooperative to gather information, coordinate priorities, and ensure communication needs are fulfilled accurately and on schedule. Coordinates outside vendors for graphic design, print, and signage production.

External Responsibility Develops and manages member-facing communications across the Cooperative's website, member email, SmartHub, mobile app, social media platforms, and monthly member newsletter. Supports communication efforts related to planned outages, vegetation management, emergencies, the Annual Meeting, and community outreach initiatives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Models the TCEC Essential Attributes as a regular pattern of behavior and self-awareness. Inspires others to do the same.
• Writing & Content Production. Write, edit, proofread, and publish member communications, news stories, website content, promotional materials, and notices. Produce the monthly member newsletter, Current Conversations, from draft through distribution. Assist with semi-annual reports, Annual Meeting communications, and other Cooperative publications.
• Member Notifications. Create and distribute planned outage and vegetation notices, outage and emergency updates, bill messages, SmartHub notifications including iVue patch shutdowns and weather alerts, email campaigns, and app notifications. Coordinate communication updates during outages, emergencies, and service interruptions.
• Website & Digital. Maintain and update website content, news articles, alerts, forms, and other digital communication resources to ensure information remains current and accurate.
• Social Media. Develop, schedule, and publish social media content while maintaining a content calendar that supports communication priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Vendor Coordination. Coordinate outside vendors for graphic design, printing, and signage production, managing specifications, proofs, timelines, quality, and budgets from project initiation through completion.
• Request Intake & Project Management. Administer the Communications Request process by receiving, prioritizing, tracking, and communicating the status of communication requests while managing project timelines and stakeholder expectations.
• Cross-Department Collaboration. Partner with departments across the Cooperative to gather, verify, and communicate information that supports organizational goals, member engagement, community outreach, and Cooperative initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field preferred. Minimum of three years of professional writing and communications experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Operational / Functional Experience Experience writing and editing for a cooperative, utility, nonprofit, or similar organization preferred. Website and content management system experience required. Experience coordinating outside vendors for print and graphic production required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce, Canva, and digital communication platforms required. Experience with email marketing systems, app messaging tools, and website analytics preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to produce accurate, high-quality communications. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, vendors, and projects simultaneously. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and perform effectively under time-sensitive situations, including outages and emergency communications. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team.

POSITION DETAILS

• Position Title: Communications Specialist
• Reports To: Public Affairs & Communications Manager
• Employment Type: Full-time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Supervisory Responsibility: No
• Financial Disclosure Required: No
• Residency Requirement: Yes
• Position Description Effective Date: July 2026

WHY JOIN TCEC

Tri-County Electric Cooperative is guided by ten Essential Attributes that define how we lead, collaborate, and serve with integrity, accountability, and trust. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting reliable electric service for the communities we serve.

This job description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or management as needed. TCEC reserves the right to revise or modify the job description as needed. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.