Communications Specialist I or II

Position Summary

Communications Specialist I: The Communications Specialist I role is intended to serve as a development role with the goal of achieving Communications Specialist II status.  The Communications Specialist position is responsible for developing and executing communications and public relations that strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote NPPD initiatives, and enhance our brand. The Communications Specialist I will focus on developing positive stakeholder relationships and will work closely with cross-functional teams to help drive strategic messaging, ensure consistency in messaging, optimize our communication channels, and craft compelling narratives that are visually enticing.  

Communications Specialist II: The Communications Specialist II role will have increased responsibility in developing and executing communications and public relations designed to further strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote NPPD initiatives, and enhance our brand. The Communications Specialist II demonstrates a working knowledge of district operations as well as business acumen, enabling the incumbent to offer effective communication consultation to NPPD leadership, further enhancing stakeholder relationships, and executing projects of medium to high complexity with cross-functional teams to drive strategic messaging, ensure consistency in messaging, optimize our communication channels, and craft compelling narratives that are visually enticing.  Incumbent is relied upon to serve as a resource for developing Communications Specialists I and will be a standard bearer for the Corporate Communications team, ensuring that content adheres to brand standards and demonstrates accountability, honesty, and trustworthiness by delivering excellence aligned with our core values.

Education, Training and Experience

Communications Specialist I: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field OR an associate degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field plus two years of related experience as indicated below are required.

Communications Specialist II: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field plus a minimum of four years of direct communications, public relations, or related experience as indicated below OR an associate degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field plus a minimum of six years of direct communications, public relations, or related experience as indicated below are required.

Experience

The level of skill in this section would contribute to placement: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, outcome-driven, and detail-oriented, especially regarding validating clarity and accuracy. Has a positive approach with strong interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning and the ability to influence various stakeholders. Digital acumen with proficiency in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Adobe Suite, measurement systems, content management systems and other technologies, that may include AI. An excellent team player who can manage multiple projects, understand content aesthetics and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Self-starter and creative, critical thinker with problem-solving abilities, a growth mindset and a proactive approach, effectively independently and as a team member.   

Licenses and/or Certifications

Communications Specialist I or II: Graduate level certifications related to Corporate Communications are desirable, and interested incumbents will work with the Communications Strategy Supervisor to determine relevant certifications based on departmental needs.  Although not required at this level, achievement of graduate level certification would demonstrate significant progress in career development.

Communications Specialist I - Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide well-written, researched, validated, clear, and consistent business communications on corporate announcements, leadership communication, meeting presentations, multimedia, and other industry communications appropriate to level of expertise. Seeks out subject matter experts to ensure that information aligns with strategic initiatives, increasing business acumen and critical thinking skills that are pivotal to advancement to Communications Specialist II.  Develops and demonstrates a familiarity with various communication tools, technologies, and processes pivotal to success by actively engaging in projects designed to fulfill the requirements for advancement to the next level.

Content Creation: Develop high-quality content for various channels for internal and external audiences and ensure cohesive messaging across all communication channels. The role involves written, verbal, and visual communications tailored to multiple audiences. Create all communications to be clear, persuasive, and aligned with the organization’s voice and brand guidelines. Actively contributes to editorial planning, suggesting content ideas and feasible project timelines. As appropriate, collaborate with other Corporate Communications teammates and District business unit representatives to support corporate business objectives.

Stakeholder Research: Become familiar with various stakeholder groups to understand their role and how Corporate Communications can tailor messages to meet their business needs. Leverage knowledge to  create messages appropriate for all groups. Continue building relationships with business partners to understand different business functions and their departmental goals better.  

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining open lines of communication, addressing inquiries, and providing timely responses. This role fosters relationships across the organization to support initiatives, teammates, and leaders by developing communication materials and strategies.

Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Communications Strategy Supervisor and other teammates to assist in creating and executing comprehensive communication plans that resonate with audiences, while aligning with the organization’s objectives. Keep up with current communication trends to adapt to changing environments and provide ongoing creative ideas to ensure company messaging is forward-looking and innovative.  

Crisis Communication: Participate in NPPD’s nuclear and non-nuclear response plans as requested by supervision.

Performance Evaluation: Track and report on the effectiveness of communications initiatives and campaigns using key performance indicators (KPIs).   

Communications Specialist II - Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide well-written, researched, validated, clear and consistent business communications on corporate announcements, leadership communication, meeting presentations, multimedia, and other industry communications. Seeks out subject matter experts to ensure that information aligns with strategic initiatives. Business acumen and critical thinking will be pivotal to growth as a successful communicator.  Demonstrates growth and increased familiarity with various communication tools, technologies, and processes.  Level II Specialists will also have a proven track record managing communication calendars and project plans to support the development of strategic communications for traditional and digital channels.  

In addition to being proficient in all duties of the Communications Specialist I, the Communications Specialist II will also be responsible for the following duties and possess the following skillsets:

Content Creation: Demonstrate the ability to work through a project or campaign’s entire life cycle, from planning to distribution and promotion. Develop and guide communications to enhance overall communication effectiveness.   

Stakeholder Research: Leverage the knowledge of multiple stakeholder groups to create messages tailored to business needs. Build upon and maintain relationships with business partners to understand different business functions and goals better.  Proactively seeks stakeholder knowledge to guide messaging strategies.  Conducts ongoing audience listening research to better understand how stakeholders feel about topics of importance to the organization and existing content.   

Stakeholder Engagement: Organize and coordinate events, presentations, and workshops to promote NPPD initiatives and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Initiate support and collaborate with other teammates and  business units as you establish yourself as a trusted communication leader. Be an effective speaker to small and large groups to share communication plans, corporate initiatives, and best practices.  

Strategy Development: The Communications Specialist II must be a highly effective communicator, strong collaborator, and have the ability to influence and build our communications capabilities. Actively contributes to editorial planning, suggesting content ideas and feasible project timelines. Identifies the best channels to reach target audiences and adapts content across channels.  

Crisis Communication:  Participate in NPPD’s nuclear and non-nuclear response plans.  Develop and implement crisis communication plans to manage situations and protect the organization’s reputation effectively.  

Performance Evaluation: Analyze communication trends to refine strategies and enhance effectiveness. Use feedback and insights to improve communication efforts continuously.  

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies