Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications

POSITION PURPOSE
This position oversees the development and execution of strategic communications that engage external stakeholders—including customers, shareholders, media and others—while advancing the company’s reputation. The role combines content strategy and messaging, media relations, executive communications, and marketing with leadership responsibilities such as coaching, mentoring, and performance management of team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead and manage a team of communications professionals; provide day-to-day direction, coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture aligned with company values and strategic priorities.
• Ensure alignment and integration across team projects and communication priorities.

Strategic Communications and Messaging

• Develop and manage communication plans that support business objectives, enhance company reputation, and reinforce brand identity.
• Partner with executive leadership and functional teams to define and deliver clear, consistent messaging to diverse audiences.
• Support executive leadership with internal and external communications; draft talking points, op-eds, and presentations.
• Provide communications counsel and thought leadership to senior leaders on issues, reputation risk, and strategic messaging.

Media Relations 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries; build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets.
• Draft and edit high-impact content including press releases, executive remarks, speeches, talking points, and thought leadership articles.

Content Development

• Lead the development of omni-channel content strategies that include digital, print, video, and social formats.
• Develop content and promotional materials, contribute to annual and sustainability reports.

Brand Management

• Shape and communicate the company’s vision, strategy, and differentiators to external audiences.
• Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, and trends to inform strategy and messaging; prepare timely responses to issues as needed.
• Support crisis communication efforts in coordination with leadership and operational teams.

Project and Stakeholder Management

• Oversee and contribute to multiple concurrent communication projects from concept to completion.
• Collaborate across departments—such as sustainability, customer engagement, and regulatory affairs—to support cross-functional initiatives.
• Manage editorial calendars and coordinate internal approvals for communication deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS
Skills 

• Outstanding writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with an ability to simplify complex topics.
• Strong executive presence; comfortable acting as a spokesperson or representing leadership in high-profile settings.
• Ability to align communications with business goals and anticipate reputational risks or opportunities.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to build trust and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Skilled at influencing and advising senior leaders and navigating sensitive or high-stakes communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams); Adobe Acrobat Pro a plus.
• Deep understanding of media landscape and experience managing media strategy and digital content.
   

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, marketing or public relations, including significant leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience working in a publicly traded, regulated utility or similarly complex industry is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Willingness and flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, including nights or weekends, during emergencies or high-visibility events.

• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

   

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
About MGE 
MGE generates and distributes electricity to 167,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, and purchases and distributes natural gas to 178,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE is a regulated utility subsidiary of the investor-owned public utility holding company MGE Energy, Inc. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 year