Manager, Corporate Communications

Description

The Senior Communications Manager for Nicor Gas is an experienced communications professional and leader responsible for developing and implementing all internal and external communications strategy and issue management for Nicor Gas. The senior manager will lead the team responsible for all employee, executive and external communication strategy, media relations, social media, internal client services support and advertising on behalf of Nicor Gas. The manager will align strategies with the Southern Company Gas Corporate Communications efforts and initiatives and foster the development of functional expertise in all areas mentioned above and in addition to PR, customer support and brand communication. The senior communications will provide daily work direction to a team of five communications professionals, bringing issues management expertise to the team. He/she will oversee and execute a variety of complex communications programs and strategies (related to rate case filings, environmental compliance, etc.) that enhance and protect Nicor Gas’ brand and reputation. He or she works in a strategic capacity as a business partner with Nicor Gas executives and other internal functional areas to implement internal and external communications campaigns and programs that effectively supports the overall business goals of Southern Company Gas. The position reports to the Director of Communications Strategy and Public Relations for Southern Company Gas.

Functional Expertise:

• Continually research, explore and recommend new and enhanced communications engagement platforms and strategies to improve the company’s communications engagement with internal and external stakeholders

• Oversee and provide guidance on all external media strategy and engagement

• Oversee and provide guidance on customer facing materials and communications

• Serve on Incident Support Team and serve as Communications Lead during a crisis as designated

• Oversee and provide guidance on public relations and employee communication-facing materials, issues etc.

• Manage team budget

• Oversee and provide guidance on digital communications strategy and engagement including social media and websites for Nicor Gas

• Other duties as assigned

Business Acumen:

• Lead role in developing the company’s internal and external PR and messaging Plan (earned/paid/shared/owned platforms)

• Responsible for managing the team that creates company messages, speeches, communication plans for key stakeholders

• Develop media strategy and related communications plans to support activity across functional areas within Nicor Gas (Community and Business Development, Customer Experience, Operations, etc.)

• Oversee and advise development and implementation of annual thought leadership plans for executives and the company

Engagement:

• Responsible for enhancing productivity of direct reports through selection, training, motivation and performance coaching

• Lead regular staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with each direct report

• Establish media training sessions and refresher courses for company spokespeople

• Communicate recommendations and strategies to executive and senior leadership team

• Role modeling honesty, respect, organizational values and fairness towards all

Driving Results:

• Establish goals and objectives for the Nicor Gas Corp Communication team

• Implement or drive process improvements

• Monitor progress against metrics/deliverables; hold self and others accountable for results

• Develop and track success metrics that align with Nicor Gas and corporate goals and those of the individual business units

  Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or equivalent combination of education and experienc

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or APR (Accredited in Public Relations) or ABC (Accredited Business Communicator) certification; Active role in industry organization such as PRSA or IABC.

  Related Work Experience:

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive communications management experience

Preferred:

• Core PR, Media Relations, Employee and Executive Communications, Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Customer Experience, Regulatory, Governmental and Compliance.

  Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Preferred:

• Experience with Social Media Platforms and other external facing communications technologies

• Exceptional interpersonal skills

• Exceptional written and verbal skills

• Exceptional presentation skills

• Ability to hold self and others accountable for performance

  Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Intermediate Traveler (15-40% travel): The incumbent will be required to travel on occasion. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights.

• The incumbent worked in a hybrid environment with flexibility to report to the Nicor Gas headquarters in Naperville, IL.

• Work hours may frequently extend beyond traditional business hours in order to meet media deadlines, provide support in a crisis situation or attend events on company’s behalf.

  Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries as of Jan. 1, 2019. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Field: Communications & External Affairs

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Illinois-Metro Chicago-Naperville

Operating Company: Nicor Gas

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to...): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Work Location(s):

G O Naperville - 1844 W Ferry Rd. (1844NapervilleCODE)

1844 W Ferry Rd.

Naperville, 60536

Req ID: GAS2004383