Director of Communications

On behalf of our client, Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative (REC), Decision Associates is seeking an experienced Director of Communications. Formally incorporated in 1936 by local farmers and other rural residents, Northwestern REC was the first electric distribution cooperative in Pennsylvania. The organization now serves 20,000 members in Crawford, Venango, Mercer, and Warren counties in Pennsylvania as well as Ashtabula County, OH and some of Chautauqua County, NY.

The Director of Communications at Northwestern REC plays a vital role in shaping and executing the cooperative's communication strategies to support its goals and objectives. Collaboration across departments is key to maintaining consistent messaging and providing employee training, while also leading the planning and execution of special events and community programs that foster member engagement and support cooperative initiatives.

The Director also serves as the coordinator for key programs such as safety education, youth initiatives, and the Co-op Connections program, while representing the cooperative as the Touchstone Energy Brand Ambassador. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong communication, analytical, and creative skills who can lead the cooperative's communication efforts and uphold its reputation in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication vision, strategies, and plans aligned with the cooperative's annual goals and objectives.
• Prepare and manage the communications and energy solutions annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Oversee the creation, design, and editing of key publications, including Penn Lines magazine, the annual report, employee newsletters, and other informational materials.
• Develop and execute crisis communication strategies, serving as the cooperative's spokesperson and primary media contact while crafting key messages and managing internal and external communication during emergencies.
• Coordinate and align communications across all departments, ensuring consistent messaging and delivering education and training sessions for employees.
• Oversee the design and production of all marketing and public relations materials, including social media management, website content, podcasts, blogs, advertisements, and trade show displays.
• Plan and coordinate special events such as annual meetings, district meetings, open houses, youth programs, and promotional campaigns, ensuring professional execution and member engagement.
• Lead, coach, and manage the Communications & Marketing Specialist, fostering their professional growth and overseeing the execution of photography, videography, and other creative projects.
• Prepare and present reports to the board of directors on the communications function's performance, highlighting metrics, initiatives, and departmental goals.
• Serve as the coordinator for key cooperative programs, including the Clearly Brighter Teacher Grant, safety education, Co-op Connections, Youth Tour, and the Member-to-Member Golf Outing, while acting as the Touchstone Energy Brand Ambassador.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline required. Additional related certifications and credentials are a bonus.
• 10+ years' progressive experience in Marketing and Communications
• Must be accessible 24/7 to assist with outages and manage incidents/emergencies.
• Extensive experience using audio/visual equipment, publication layout platforms, and other related tools.
• Ability to lift portable demonstrations and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Extremely strong written and verbal communication skills for conveying marketing initiatives and public speaking.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and other desktop publishing software.
• Experience with website design, social media management, and photography.
• Must achieve Certified Cooperative Communicator certification and graduate from NRECA’s Strategic Communication Academy within 3-5 years.
• Must achieve Master Cooperative Communicator status within 10 years.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with match
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Paid time off
• PA 529 college savings fund
• Wellness reimbursement
• Section 125 plan
• Continuing education assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave

Northwestern REC is an equal employment opportunity employer.