External Communications Specialist

Highlights of the job

EPCOR’s Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) team is hiring an External Communications Specialist (Full-Time Permanent) position working out of Edmonton, AB. This opportunity is eligible for our hybrid Where We Work program and is open to internal and external candidates. Current EPCOR employees, please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

Are you an experienced communicator adept in storytelling and developing communications strategies? Do you enjoy building strong relationships with co-workers, community partners and media? If yes, this is a fantastic opportunity to join EPCOR’s award-winning CPE team as it takes big steps to build our brand and expand into new spaces!

As an External Communications Specialist, you will report to the External Communications Manager and will be primarily accountable for bringing compelling stories to life for our external audiences, educating community members and partners about EPCOR’s work and enhancing our reputation. The successful candidate should exhibit composure while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment and bring strategic expertise to issues management.

What you’d be responsible for

• Leading, planning, and executing full-scale strategic communications for corporate campaign initiatives and cross-company programs. This includes developing related communications materials, planning, and hosting news conferences, liaising with mainstream media and prepping spokespeople.
• Providing communications services for business development activities and to EPCOR’s senior leadership (e.g., speeches, corporate messages, stakeholder communications, media materials, briefing documents, shareholder reports, presentations, etc.).
• Mitigating issues that have the potential to impact EPCOR’s brand and reputation, including monitoring and responding to news media and social media inquiries.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with both external and internal stakeholders and partners.
• Developing, implementing, and reviewing communications processes to ensure compliance with policies, standards, regulatory requirements, and inclusion of effective risk mitigation measures.
• Managing EPCOR’s corporate disclosure process, including reviewing, confirming material information, and coordinating approvals for company materials and statements intended for public disclosure.
• Participating in CPE’s 24/7 on-call team, ensuring timely management and response to customer issues and public questions on social media and news media inquiries.

What’s required to be successful

• Completed diploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in either Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or relevant fields.
• 6+ years of experience preferably in business, government, and / or utilities or in a related field.
• Excellent research, writing and editing skills with an aptitude for breaking down complex technical and policy issues and creating a wide variety of written content including speeches, social media posts, blogs, news releases, articles.
• Experience delivering effective, measurable communications across a range of communications channels (digital and news media, new and emerging platforms).
• Strategic approach that takes “big picture” into account and anticipates potential risks and opportunities.
• Proven experience in planning and executing special events and announcements.
• Knowledge and experience with corporate reporting, data submission, review, and quality assurance processes.
• Strong project management, planning and organizational skills with keen attention to detail when handling multiple assignments.
• Exceptional presentation design and development skills.
• Solid understanding of development of communication and promotional products in various mediums, including print design, online products, and video production.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills including comfort working with employees at all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: PROF

Hours of work: 80 hours biweekly

Application deadline: November 27, 2024

EPCOR Employees: Please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file.