External Communications Specialist

Position Description

Job Title: External Communications Specialist

Reports To: Director of Communications

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Shared Services Office, Irving, TX

Summary:

We are seeking an External Communications Specialist to join Meriton's growing communications team. This role will support day-to-day external communications, social media, media relations and brand storytelling to enhance Meriton's visibility and reputation across our industry and markets, and strengthen the presence of our portfolio of 20+ operating companies in their local markets.

The External Communications Specialist will help craft compelling narratives, manage press outreach and develop content that highlights Meriton's growth, expertise and leadership in the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Commercial industry. This role is ideal for a strong writer and proactive communicator who thrives on telling stories that connect strategy, brand and audience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Content Development
  • Write and edit clear, engaging content for company newsletters and websites, LinkedIn and other social media channels, press materials, thought leadership articles, and more.
  • Develop M&A communications and content strategy.
  • Ensure brand consistency and alignment with Meriton and operating company tone and messaging.
• Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility
  • Work closely with leaders across the Meriton network to develop external communications strategies.
  • Position Meriton leaders as industry experts through contributed articles, conference participation and speaking opportunities.
  • Assist with speechwriting, presentations and ghostwriting for executives.
• Social Media & Digital
  • Develop successful integrated social media and digital strategies to increase visibility and engagement.
  • Prepare engaging and visual content for LinkedIn and other social media channels for Meriton and our operating companies.
• Media Relations
  • Develop and manage media relations plans for each of our 20+ operating companies in their local markets and across trade outlets.
  • Research, build and maintain relationships with trade, business and local media across each of our operating markets.
  • Draft press releases, media advisories and talking points for company announcements.
  • Support media monitoring, tracking coverage and identifying opportunities to increase visibility for Meriton and our operating companies.
• Event & Campaign Support
  • Provide communications support for customer events, trade shows, and sponsorships.
  • Assist with campaign planning and execution for new markets, acquisitions, and product introductions.
• Partnership & Brand Support
  • Collaborate with operating companies and their leadership teams to promote regional stories and successes.
  • Help strengthen brand presence across digital channels and external audiences.
• Regular, consistent and necessary to meet the needs of the business
• Assist the leadership of the Marketing team and other team members with various research projects and/or special projects
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Must conduct self in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner at all times
• Must adhere to the policies, principles, and guidance within the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct

Competencies:

• Elevated professionalism which demonstrates tempered emotions, empathy, positive intent, and integrity in all interactions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information one-on-one and in group situations, and outside of the company.
• Ability to solve practical problems and manage a variety of variables in situations and with problems where only limited information or standardization exists
• Open and transparent with a strong work ethic as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be a self-starter, independent, and strong organization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines at any given time
• Ability to establish and build effective working relationships with colleagues and staff. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural, and spiritual practices

Education/Experience:

• 4-6 years of experience in external communications, public relations or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with an eye for media-friendly content.
• Experience working with media including pitching, drafting press releases and media training.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and content management platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of HVAC, construction or B2B industries is a plus but not required.
• Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals

with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The workplace is in a corporate office environment and the temperature in the work environment is usually moderate. The position's primary office is the Shared Services, Irving, TX office; however, telework or work at home, on the road, or in a satellite location for portions of the workweek may occur, depending upon project needs and requirements in coordination with your direct supervisor and/or most senior leader of your department. Travel up to 20% is required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.