Director of Strategic Communications

Be a Part of Something that Matters

At WECC, we enhance the lives of 80 million people by identifying and mitigating risks to the bulk power system in the West. To deliver on our mission of a highly reliable and secure bulk power system in the Western Interconnection, we must deliver a message, both internally and externally, that resonates with staff and stakeholders and conveys clear and actionable messages. We are seeking a Director of Strategic Communications to help us further our mission and achieve our strategic goals.

The Director of Strategic Communications will drive the strategic communications agenda of the organization, by collaborating and coordinating with members of WECC’s Strategic Engagement team in the creation and implementation of multi-faceted internal and external communications and outreach strategies. Internally, the Director will develop and oversee WECC’s internal communications, intranet, and content for external speaking engagements. Externally, the Director will work with other senior staff members and subject matter experts overseeing the continuous improvement of content for WECC’s broad and diverse stakeholder groups.  This position also contributes on important internal training such as new hire orientation, external conferences, and various stakeholder training forums. The Director of Strategic Communications also collaborates with other internal teams during the development of WECC products to determine the most effective means and methods to disseminate WECC’s reliability work. This position will work strategically with the executive team and other directors as well as assisting in the daily tasks performed by the communications team and within Strategic Engagement.

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Engagement and External Affairs, this role partners across internal WECC teams and works to ensure quality and brand control for the organization’s assessments, reports, events, printed material, as well as coordinate all media activities and responses in collaboration with WECC’s Executive Team.

You will—

• Manage a team of communications, training, and outreach professionals to ensure all messaging aligns with WECC’s key business strategies.
• Work with senior management in the development and implementation of a strategic communications strategy to ensure WECC meets the needs of its stakeholders as the independent voice of bulk power system reliability for the Western Interconnection.
• Direct and contribute to the creation of key written and multimedia communication materials such as executive presentation documents, annual business plans, and board material.
• Work creatively and collaboratively with senior staff members to stay informed of new and upcoming initiatives or regulations to recommend the most effective means to engage and inform stakeholders.
• In partnership with the Director of Human Resources, create, implement and sustain an internal communications program to ensure all employees are clear and aligned on WECC’s mission and work.
• Develop and manage customer relationship management tools and resources to enable and promote outreach efforts.
• Develop and lead search engine optimization strategies, analysis, and optimization tools, programs and resources. Stay up to date and ensure relevance to industry best practices and emerging technology.
• Identify opportunities to support organizational initiatives and develop communications and collateral materials and programs to promote and publicize these activities.
• Build and foster long-term working relationships with stakeholders, including members of the media.
• Develop and oversee WECC’s branding strategy, including educating employees and stakeholders on usage.
• Develops, implements, and adheres to communications budget.

You will enjoy this role if you have a—

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, business, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and communications-related work experience resulting in demonstrated ability to perform major duties.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in a progressively responsible communications role complementing the key responsibilities of WECC’s Director of Strategic Communications role.
• Minimum five years’ experience in managing people and processes.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and collaborative development of dynamic products.
• A self-starter attitude with superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to shadow write for others.
• Strong attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Hold a good sense of the technology and tools necessary to complete the required work, such as proficiency with Microsoft products and expertise with social media and other multi-media platforms.

Our Culture and Values

• Our people and our work matter;
• Everyone is invited to be a leader;
• Independence, perspective, and partnership are how we add value;
• Intellectual curiosity, empowerment, and accountability fuel meaningful results;
• Continuous improvement and innovation are essential; and
• We act with intention and focused urgency in everything we do.

Benefits and Compensation

The base salary range for this full-time position is $147,100 to $183,900 + discretionary pay and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education, or training. WECC’s Human Resources Team will share more details during the hiring process.

WECC offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid personal time.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We foster an organizational culture that values the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. When individuals bring their whole selves to work, without apprehension, we, as WECC, will meet our mission now and in the future.

WECC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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Be a part of something that matters!