Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Southwest Power Pool is an electric power organization focused on delivering reliable and affordable electricity across its service territory. The Senior Media Relations Specialist will develop and execute media strategies, manage media inquiries and relationships, translate complex energy topics into accessible communications, prepare leaders for media engagements, and support crisis and high-profile communications.
Responsibilities
- Shape SPP’s media strategy. Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies that strengthen SPP’s reputation, increase awareness of key priorities, and position our leaders and subject matter experts as trusted industry resources
- Manage media inquiries from start to finish. Coordinate accurate, timely, and consistent responses with leaders, subject matter experts, Legal, Communications, and other internal partners
- Build meaningful media relationships. Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, trade, and industry media to expand awareness of SPP and its role in the energy industry
- Stay ahead of emerging issues. Monitor industry developments, media trends, and emerging topics that could impact SPP, and provide strategic communications recommendations to leadership
- Turn complex information into compelling content. Develop press releases, media statements, talking points, briefing materials, Q&As, key messages, and other external communications that make technical and business information clear and accessible
- Prepare leaders to tell SPP’s story. Coach executives, leaders, and subject matter experts for media interviews and external engagements so they can represent SPP clearly, confidently, and consistently
- Lead communications when the stakes are high. Provide media relations support during significant operational events, organizational announcements, crisis situations, and other high-profile matters to protect SPP’s reputation and ensure a coordinated response
- Create opportunities to elevate SPP. Proactively identify and develop media opportunities that showcase SPP’s expertise, accomplishments, strategic priorities, and contributions to the reliability and evolution of the bulk electric power system
- Partner across the organization. Work closely with Communications colleagues and internal stakeholders to ensure media strategies and messaging align with SPP’s broader communications, stakeholder engagement, and business objectives
- Measure what matters. Monitor and evaluate media coverage, sentiment, reach, and emerging narratives to identify reputational risks, opportunities, and insights that strengthen future communications strategies
- Build strong media relations practices. Maintain media contacts, resources, processes, and response protocols that support consistent and efficient external media engagement
- Serve as a trusted communications advisor. Independently manage complex assignments, advise stakeholders on media considerations, and bring senior-level judgment and expertise to communications strategies and continuous improvement efforts
Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Business, or a related field
- Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, or a closely related communications field
- Demonstrated experience developing media strategies and managing relationships with reporters, editors, or other external media representatives
- Demonstrated experience developing external communications and translating complex or technical information into clear, concise messaging for diverse audiences
- Experience preparing leaders or subject matter experts for media interviews, public statements, or other external communications
- Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive, time-critical, or high-profile communications with sound judgment and discretion
- Advanced knowledge of media relations, public relations, strategic communications, and reputation management principles
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate complex information clearly and accurately
- Strong news judgment and ability to anticipate how organizational decisions, events, and industry developments may be perceived externally
- Ability to develop trusted relationships with media representatives, executives, subject matter experts, and internal stakeholders
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure when managing sensitive, confidential, rapidly evolving, or high-profile matters
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across functions and organizational levels
- Ability to understand technical, regulatory, and business concepts and translate them into accessible messages for external audiences
- Strong attention to accuracy, consistency, and organizational reputation in all external communications
- This is a full-time, hybrid onsite position based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional extended hours as needed
- Fully remote work is available only for senior-level positions and above, and only for candidates residing outside a 50-mile radius of Little Rock (Central Arkansas)
- This position requires minimal travel (approximately 20%)
- Experience working in the electric utility, energy, regulatory, technology, infrastructure, or another complex and highly regulated industry
- Experience supporting crisis communications, issues management, or other high-visibility organizational matters
- Experience working directly with executives and senior leaders on external communications and media strategy
- Familiarity with the electric utility industry, Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), Independent System Operators (ISOs), or energy regulatory matters
Benefits
- Bonus opportunities
- Excellent insurance package including three medical plans to choose from
- Employer-paid short-term disability insurance
- Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Relocation bonus (if applicable)
- Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
- 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits
- Pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP
Company Overview