Sr Corporate Communications Specialist (Hybrid)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position is available in a local hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the manager, responsible for internal and corporate communications strategy to keep ISO employees informed of ongoing policies, programs, news and information. Supports the development of external communications materials, external events, script writing, and oversight of other communications materials as needed. Creates and supports events to foster employee well-being and improve employee morale. Develops and executes the short-term and long-term communications projects for external audiences. Serves as back up media spokesperson on various ISO related issues, including serving as rotating on-call media representative.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Responsible for internal and corporate communications for the organization, including writing and distributing newsletters, email notifications, updating internal website content to be consistent with corporate objectives and coordinating all staff meetings for the purposes of educating ISO staff and contracted employees of current events and/or issues. Coordinates and publicizes employee events, including scheduling and organizing All-Hands meetings with ISO executives, employee anniversary celebrations and other corporate events. Coordinates logistics for external events, press conferences, videos and speaking opportunities.
• Responsible for maintaining a bureau of ISO speakers and SMEs who are frequently called upon to present on the ISO’s behalf or whom are needed for media inquiries and the development of public-facing content. Ensures speakers’ area of expertise, past speaking opportunities and other relevant biographical details are up-to-date. Provides training, talking points or additional resources to newly added speakers and SMEs as needed. Provides guidance and support to ISO subject matter experts (SMEs) who have contact with the media, public, and governing bodies to assist in enhancing and maintaining a positive corporate image. Manages logistics and ensures speakers have talking points and any training needed to speak on the ISO’s behalf.
• Drafts, edits, and publishes content to support the development of corporate videos, fact sheets, FAQs, intranet articles, talking points, and social media to support assigned projects. Responds to news and media inquiries for information, interviews, and clarifications of ISO activities.
• Develops and maintains California ISO slide library, including presentations and video content. Reviews content regularly to ensure it is current, makes updates, adds new slides and partners with Creative and Web Services team to update graphics and add other visual content as needed.
• Monitors local, national, industry and trade news affecting the ISO, and keeps management and staff informed about pertinent news.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Communications, Journalism or related field.  Masters Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

Corporate communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing experience. “On air" experience and presence for electronic media interviews, and knowledge of electric utility issues and operations.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.  Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail.  Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills.  Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential.  Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations.  Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority. 

The pay range for the Sr Corporate Communications Specialist is $93,975 - $156,625 annually.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.