Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is the largest municipally-owned gas utility in the nation, supplying gas service in the City of Philadelphia to over 500,000 customers. From its humble beginnings in 1836, PGW has grown into the large, modern facility that exists today. As one of the nation's leading natural gas providers, PGW prides itself on stability and continual growth. PGW is dedicated to becoming the Greenest Natural Gas Delivery Company in the region. Become part of the PGW Team!

This Director level position will provide daily coordination of communications with external audiences, including the news media, meeting tight deadlines, responding to crisis situations, and developing proactive communication strategies. The incumbent can serve as a media spokesperson for the company, as well. This will include writing public responses, preparing media statements and articles, coordination of interviews, news pitches, and other related media communications. The incumbent will support other Communications department staff, as well as other internal and external entities to ensure timely and accurate company information is provided. The incumbent will support company public relations with multi-faceted communications programs designed to build and strengthen the organization's role and reputation as a leader in the energy industry by developing policies, coordinating the implementation process, and providing quality control for external communications, media activities, and press events. This role also manages internal staff and contractors responsible for delivering results across multiple communication vehicles.

Responsibilities include : working collaboratively with executive leadership to align PGW's corporate mission and strategic priorities with its communications strategy to build and maintain a positive brand; working jointly with Chief of Staff & SVP of Communications in planning and coordination of successful media and communications campaigns; serving as a corporate spokesperson for the company and coordinating the writing of talking points and messaging for other internal spokespersons; managing media relations strategy and cultivating and enhancing collaborative working relationships with local Philadelphia media contacts; working collaboratively with Communications staff on all events and projects; managing and coordinating use of interactive communications such as Social Media Sharing; managing the workflow of department projects and staff time; coordinating with direct reports to work with internal to develop communications for external circulation; and developing, implementing, and adhering to communications budget.

Key Role Components include : communications / media relations; personnel management; finance & accounting; and other related functions.

Qualifications include : a bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field; multiple years of experience in public relations, including supervisory and comprehensive marketing experience; deep understanding of, and demonstrated familiarity with, the political and local media landscape of Philadelphia; knowledge of and experience with copy, feature, and promotional writing; coordination of publication production; desktop publishing, media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform via written, oral, and visual media; excellent managerial and organizational abilities; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership; ability to coordinate efforts of various teams to present a coherent message; leadership with the ability to create a professional and constructive environment that fosters a team-oriented and customer service approach to day-to-day operations; well-organized, planning manager with the ability to execute a project from concept to production in an environment where daily priorities may shift; familiarity with all news media channels of communications; and detailed knowledge of major company operations.

PGW is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M / F / D / VAAP / EEO. Work Location : 800 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122