American Water Hiring for External Affairs Specialist Job at Saint Louis, MO Full Time

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing.

Our teams are committed to customer service, operational excellence and delivering high-quality, reliable drinking water and other water-related management services.

Our primary business involves the ownership of water and wastewater utilities that provide water and wastewater services to residential, commercial and industrial customers, treating and delivering more than 1 billion gallons of water per day.

Primary Role

This is a Hybrid Position, located at the American Water St. Louis Missouri Office, which will require you to work 3 days within the office and 2 days remote from home. All internal candidates located within or near the American Water St. Louis, Missouri office are encouraged to apply.

The primary role of this position is to provide communications support to the state management team, including the development, coordination, implementation and management of external communications materials, activities and events to support the success of the state business plan and operating objectives. The primary areas of responsibility include writing and message development, community relations, customer education, social media coordination, corporate social responsibility, and support for local operations, outreach activities and external communication. This role is focused on supporting the company’s strategic communication efforts to effectively position the company with customers and key opinion leaders.

The External Affairs Specialist is a key communications resource, working closely with individuals throughout the business to maximize the company’s communications effectiveness, flexibility and responsiveness within the communities we serve. This professional has communications knowledge across traditional and social media platforms and experience with implementing community outreach programs.

The External Affairs Specialist is an active and vital component of an integrated communications team that works to reach intended audiences with a full array of communications messages, tactics and activities. This position works alongside another External Affairs Specialist to support American Water’s partnerships with key community groups and organizations. The External Affairs Specialists report to the Sr. Manager of Communications and External Affairs.Key Accountabilities

• Helps support the strategic communications needs of the state, including drafting and editing content to effectively reach a wide array of audiences. Assists in the proactive development of communications materials/tactics with appropriate messaging imagery.
• Helps implement communications strategies and initiatives that educate and engage customers and external stakeholders. Understands the attitudes and concerns of customers and the communities we serve and establishes and maintains cooperative and effective relationships with stakeholders. Assists in implementing communications strategies, tactics and activities that provide ongoing, consistent and targeted communications.
• Helps identify and develop opportunities to enhance the company’s reputation as a good corporate citizen, employing effective communications strategies and leveraging key community initiatives that align with company goals.
• Works with State External Affairs team in implementing comprehensive strategic communications plans including social media, community relations/events, and sponsorship/memberships. Plans and executes these activities in an organized, proactive manner. Supports efforts to develop and implement proactive, coordinated and aligned external communication materials, including crisis communications materials.
• Assists in monitoring internal/external business developments and identifying connections between business activities and industry trends that may pose a threat or benefit to the company’s reputation. Works closely with state operation teams to develop and order materials to support local community events and assist with customer education and outreach.
• Assists in developing and executing external-facing communications materials and community events in support of American Water’s business operations within the state. Provides communications support to business development activities, when needed.
• Assists in developing, executing and measuring the effectiveness of media and customer engagement strategies in support of the company’s business objectives.
• Helps plan large press and community events to build community awareness of American Water and position the company for brand-building opportunities.
• Helps coordinate and manage external sponsorships and partnerships.
• Works with the state-based External Affairs team to deliver water education programs for the general community and school-aged children that enhance the presence of American Water.

Knowledge/Skills

• Has a general knowledge of strategic communications, with a strong background in writing.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms and ability to create and leverage social media content.
• Is adept at developing and placing traditional media materials including press releases, letters to the editor, and op-eds.
• Some experience in graphic design and/or multimedia production, including content creation and editing, is beneficial.
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Is knowledgeable of community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and produce quality materials while achieving results and meeting deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and re-prioritize quickly. Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to respond tactfully and in a timely manner to customer inquiries and other external requests.
• Has excellent and efficient working knowledge of PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Has ability to assist in planning and executing external community and industry events.Experience/Education
• 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, social media, advertising, marketing or community relations.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, advertising or related field preferred, or demonstrated experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.Travel Requirements

–

15% Within the state and in the United States

–

Candidate must posses a valid driver’s license as this position requires local travel.CompetenciesChampions safetyCollaboratesCultivates innovationCustomer obsessedDrives ResultsNimble learning