Communications Consultant

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary:

Position is accountable for excellent communications project management, writing and client service. Contributes to corporate goals and targets through implementation of communications plans for internal and external audiences. Coordinates work with other Communications staff to ensure alignment with overall strategy for the company and/or business units, jurisdictions and issues.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plans, researches, writes, edits and coordinates development of print, electronic and web-based communications, including brochures, bill inserts, fact sheets, presentations and collateral material. 
• Coordinates work and schedules with graphic designers, ensuring final products meet client needs. Documents and improves processes to produce quality, on-time results within budget. 
• Serves on various cross-functional teams to provide communications perspectives and helps develop and implement plans and tactics to achieve team's mission. Provides communications counsel to clients. 
• Works closely with vendor-partners, including printers, direct mail houses, bindery shops, etc., to ensure production meets quality and timing requirements; receives invoices and initiates payment process, including ensuring correct budget codes are used. Understands and supports Xcel Energy's brand; understands and demonstrates behaviors in accordance with the corporate values.

Minimum Requirements:

• Five to seven years' experience in positions that require significant, direct interaction with clients, designers and production vendors. 
• Work in an agency or corporate setting preferred. 
• Proven ability to write clearly, concisely, quickly and accurately, incorporating key messages and calls to action and using appropriate language and tone for the target audience. 
• Able to progress on a variety of projects during the course of the workday and accustomed to working at a fast pace. 
• Degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related discipline. 
• Experience in the utility industry preferred. 

Additional Requirements:

• Consultant in Customer Communications: experience and success in marketing communications for business-to-business and/or business-to-consumer products, including direct marketing, Internet marketing and collateral material development. 
• Consultant in Resource Communications: knowledge of energy generation, transmission and field operations; familiarity with environmental issues as they relate to the utility industry; knowledge of business systems and technology also desirable. 
• Consultant in Jurisdictional Communications: experience with rates and regulatory issues, state and local government affairs, public involvement, employee grassroots and political action activities and economic development. 

Preferred Requirements:

• Excellent collaboration skills.