This new position is responsible for the development and implementation of ASA’s proactive strategic communication program, which includes employee, community and media relations.  In the absence of the General Manager/Engineer-Director, this position will serve as spokesperson for ASA. This position will cultivate and strengthen relationships with ASA’s stakeholders, media representatives, community leaders, general public, government officials, Alexandria public schools, employees and others.  This position will work under the general supervision of the General Manager/Engineer-Director (CEO).

ASA has an award winning, state-of-the-art facility and features a creative and innovative work culture with a goal of being one of the leading wastewater utilities in the country. This is an opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to public service, teamwork and protecting the environment. If you want the opportunity to shape the future, innovate in your field, and learn and grow, this position may be for you.  

Examples of Assigned Responsibilities:

·         Performs a variety of important professional communication, public information, public relations, and media relations work concerning ASA, its programs, projects, events, initiatives, and issues relative to Alexandria residents, ASA employees, and the media.

·         Provides and delivers timely and accurate information to ASA employees, residents, Board, City staff, public and/or media using print, electronic communications tools and multi-platform software.

·         Monitors and maintains an on-going awareness of ASA Board, ASA Leadership and City policies, procedures and issue positions.

·         Identifies, builds and manages strategic relationships with key public and private stakeholders.

·         Serves as back up to Engineer Director (ED) as an alternative spokesperson for ASA at public meetings/hearings, meetings with the City Council, industry events, and various public appearances.

·         Synthesizes technical data to create speeches, talking points and presentations for the ED or other organizational staff who are presenting at conferences, industry events and other public appearances.

·         Handles a variety of public information, public relations and media relations assignments using the internet, print and broadcast tools and performs graphic design work.

·         Researches, writes, edits and proofs a variety of multi-media content and delivers that content via multiple platforms, such as, print publications, employee newsletter, annual report, news releases, brochures and other avenues.

·         Researches and maintains an awareness of public relations, communications and media relations techniques and strategies to provide advice and assistance to ED as needed.

·         Coordinates high profile public relations projects and events aimed at extending external and internal branding opportunities.

·         Will have considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision making in completing work assignments.

·         Evaluates and measures the effectiveness of ASA’s proactive strategic public relations program, which includes media, public and community relations.

·         Works with outside consultants as needed to help create brochures, video scripts, presentations, public service announcements, reports, advertisements and other marketing and informational materials.

·         Coordinates responses to general requests, questions and complaints from the public concerning operations and facilities.

·         Communicates information to customers regarding major scheduled events and projects.

·         Coordinates the planning, design and content of ASA’s website and monitors it periodically to ensure the currency and timeliness of its content.

·         Administers internal communications programs in order to improve communication within ASA, as well as develop new programs that support ASA’s vision and mission.

·         Proactively works with teams, divisions and outside consultants to develop appropriate communications messages and delivery strategy.

·         Assists in the planning and development of the content of ASA’s employee intranet, i.e. assist in site planning and design, create and edit content.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Master’s Degree a plus. 

·         A minimum of seven years of experience in public relations, communication, and/or media relations or any equivalent combination of education and experience. 

·         Scientific background with knowledge of environmental issues/water industry preferred. 

·         Experience in graphics productions/publications, desktop graphic publishing, and/or multimedia productions is a plus. 

·         Completion of college level courses in journalism, communications, multimedia production, public administration, government or related field is a plus.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Articulate and persuasive communicator with excellent, polished presentation skills. 

·         Must have superb relationship building, exceptional interpersonal and mediation skills to establish and maintain strategic relationships with ASA’s Board of Directors, ASA staff, City Council, governmental officials, media representatives, community groups and the general public.

·         Strong analytical skills with ability to research, extract, absorb, write and present information for executive and public audiences. 

·         Must take initiative/lead on assigned duties.

·         Must be creative and flexible with excellent time management and organizational skills. 

·         Must have strong computer proficiency in general office software.

Our benefits information is available online at http://alexsan.benenet.net /.

Information about ASA is available on our web site http://www.alexsan.com .

Send resume with cover letter and salary history

EOE.  No phone calls.