Inspire and lead impactful internal and external communications for Xcel Energy's nuclear business unit, addressing operational, jurisdictional and regulatory issues, state and local government affairs, policy issues, and employee engagement. Manage a team, as part of the larger communications function, in working with nuclear executive leadership in a primary support relationship. Anticipate issues and seek proactive opportunities to encourage employee and public understanding of company positions. Create and manage strategic communications and public relations plans to support company's business, brand and policy objectives. Consistently advance Xcel Energy messaging and positive brand reputation through effective communications planning. Partner with other communications leaders to ensure that best practices, experiences, and knowledge are captured and applied in all deliverables.
Essential Responsibilities
- Manage a team of communication professionals, contractors and vendor-partners. Create performance metrics, track performance, and provide feedback to staff to ensure internal client satisfaction.
- Develop communications and public relations plans and strategies for internal and external audiences. Proactively anticipate and research issues related to areas such as state and local government affairs, regulatory filings, grassroots and political action activities, public affairs, and economic development. Provide strategic communications counsel and recommendations to jurisdictional leaders on potential and emerging issues facing the company.
- Track and monitor communication improvements/advancements throughout the industry. Bring best practices, including relevant new communications technologies, channels, and tools to Xcel Energy and ensure staff familiarity with them. Provide professional development opportunities to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Serve as a resource to staff and teams whose work is significantly relevant to the jurisdiction; works in close coordination with other communications professionals to create alignment of efforts. Understand and sponsor the Xcel Energy brand and ensure adherence to brand standards. Demonstrate behaviors based upon corporate values; assist staff to embrace values as well.
- May require after-hours support of crisis communications needs, including participation in the on-call rotation.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field.
- Ten years of content and communication strategy development and execution, including 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Experience in communications with demonstrated ability to deliver effective and strategic messages to audiences ranging from front line employees to senior executives.
- Proven leadership to conceptual thinking, creativity and innovation; ability to influence others.
- Passionate about collaboration and have experience working across marketing/communications channels.
- Ability to operate in a fast-moving environment and present/sell your work well.
- Experience managing external agencies and a department budget.
- Team player who enjoys collaborating with a high performing group.
Xcel Energy, Inc.
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis
Minnesota United States
www.xcelenergy.com
