Senior Corporate Media Specialist

Is an integral part of the CenterPoint Energy Corporate Communications team and collaborates with operations, customer, government relations, regulatory departments and external stakeholders to maintain and enhance CenterPoint's reputation and proactively tell the company's positive story. The senior corporate media specialist will be responsible for the development, management and execution of external communication plans, spokesperson duties and on-camera proactive storytelling across channels and emergency response duty. This role with have a focus on implementing best practices and protecting and enhancing the company's reputation and image.

• Acts as company spokesperson, conducting interviews with media and engaging the public at business meetings and events. Serves on an after-hours media duty rotation including occasional weekends.
• Serves as a Corporate Communications representative, providing strategic guidance, identifying effective tactics and evaluating results.
• Serves on the emergency response communications team. May work extensive hours at CenterPoint Energy locations during a crisis response.
• Comfortable communicating across all channels including digital and social.
• Adept at communicating complex information that is easily consumed.
• Provides proactive counsel on strategic direction to corporate leadership, business leaders, colleagues and other stakeholders, with a focus on achieving business objectives.
• Develops and implements strategic internal and external communication plans. Includes developing key messages, strategies, timing and specific channels, and incorporating analytics and measurement for results.
• Develops and executes a range of communications strategies and tactics in support of CenterPoint Energy's business imperatives in Texas - both electric and gas; positions the company's services and capabilities with key audiences and stakeholders.
• Develops and implements strategic communications plans to support regulatory and government affairs initiatives highlighting issues pertaining to the company's business goals and interests.
• Coordinates media and public speaking training programs for selected CenterPoint Energy executives, selected managers and staff who may be involved in addressing external audiences, including the news media, key opinion and thought groups and other external stakeholders.
• Develops and manages the production of a wide variety of communication materials, including news releases, fact sheets, articles, presentations, speeches, videos, social media content, digital signage, etc.
• Implements best practices and improves processes and deliverables proactively.
• Collaborates with graphic designers,marketing specialists to produce attractive and effective communication materials.

• Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Communications, Public Relations or a related area of study from an accredited college or university

• 3 to 5 years of communications experience
• Experience as a company/organization spokesperson
• Experience in crisis response, including in an Incident Command System (ICS)
• Experience producing communication materials (e.g., news releases, statements, key messages, talking points, speeches)
• Skilled in shooting video, taking photos, and producing compelling multimedia content
• Experience working with and consulting senior leaders
• Integrated, multi-channel communications experience
• Experience translating technical information into layperson's terms
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in leveraging both digital and traditional channels to create impactful communications that drive awareness and engagement
• Proven ability to craft substantive communications, sometimes at a rapid pace
• Proven multi-tasker

• Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
• Media/journalism reporting experience
• Energy sector and/or utility industry experience a plus
• Combination of corporate and agency communications experience
• Experience within a matrix organization
• A communications generalist and utility player with broad experience and the ability to flex and adapt to team and organizational needs
• A creative, highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter
• Able to work independently to accomplish goals and objectives
• Able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities; can successfully navigate fast-paced situations
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills
• Exceptional project and time management skills

• Able to demonstrate the manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, such as a telephone, cellular phone and photocopier/scanner/printer.
• Able to view personal computer monitor or laptop screen for extended periods of time.
• Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time and to walk, bend, stoop, squat and/or kneel occasionally.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle, including the ability to enter and exit the vehicle unassisted.

• Able to work successfully in a fast-paced office environment with a high volume workload and frequent short deadlines.
• Able to work indoors, in an office environment, regardless of whether cubicle, open office or private office.
• Able to work overtime (scheduled and unscheduled), including reporting early and/or working late, as needed to meet established deadlines.
• Able to work with minimal supervision and with many deadlines, project schedules and timelines.
• Able to travel as necessary, with occasional overnight stays required.
• Able to support the company's Emergency Operations Plan in response to major incidents impacting our business. May include work outside of normal business hours for several weeks.