VP, Advocacy Press and Member Communications

Job Description

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country.  NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence.  As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation.

Summary of Position:

NRECA’s communications and marketing department is a central hub of the association and is responsible for shaping external, internal and member communications and marketing efforts. The department works to tell the modern electric cooperative story, positively influence the perception of cooperatives with inside-the-beltway policymakers, elevate the organization’s brand and showcase the value of NRECA membership. The communications and marketing team works closely with NRECA’s C-suite, and partners with departments across the organization like Government Relations, Business and Technology Strategy, Education, Training and Events, and more. Collaboration, creativity, and passion drive the team to consistently achieve success and help build a better tomorrow for electric cooperatives across the nation.

We are seeking a candidate to lead and oversee the team responsible for NRECA’s earned, paid, and social media initiatives, as well as the association’s public relations and member communications strategies. NRECA’s advocacy priorities inside the beltway underpin and guide much of the team’s day-to-day approach. The ideal candidate will effectively lead a team, cast a vision, and combine expertise in electric cooperatives with an understanding of beltway policymakers and proactively leverage both to shape positive outcomes.

This position serves as a primary contact for electric cooperatives working to enhance their reputations and / or respond to crises. This position works to advance the relationship between NRECA and its members. This is a visible role with frequent interaction with NRECA’s Senior Leadership Team. This is a hybrid position located in Arlington, VA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads NRECA’s media relations program, crafting strategies that align with the Association’s strategic priorities. Drives effective earned media outreach to position NRECA and its members as thought leaders across national, Beltway, trade, regional, and local media outlets.
• Oversees the association’s beltway advertising campaign, guiding its management to enhance NRECA’s positioning and presence with key audiences.
• Spearheads strategic communications campaigns designed to elevate the profile of the association.
• Supports communications needs of the leadership of NRECA’s Board of Directors, including supporting the production of monthly board updates, drafts remarks and presentations.
• Directs media training for the senior leadership of NRECA and membership.
• Serves as a primary contact for electric cooperatives in times of crisis. Manages the implementation of NRECA’s crisis communications plan and relevant drills.
• Manages NRECA’s member communications strategy on advocacy priorities.
• Leads the execution and management of a comprehensive social media strategy to amplify advocacy messages and enhance brand visibility and engagement across key platforms.
• Operates as a team player to recognize opportunities in their infancy and work collaboratively to achieve successful outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Skills :

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the media and public relations field.
• 7+ years of experience managing a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of electric cooperatives, the cooperative difference, and the public policy issues related to the industry.
• Knowledge of Capitol Hill and federal agencies, including key inflection points and stakeholders, and an ability to proactively leverage them to shape positive outcomes.
• Knowledge and extensive experience working with in the earned media and public relations space.
• Ability to successfully navigate crisis situations and engage in crisis communications efforts with speed and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in the earned and paid media space and the broader public relations industry.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and