Communications Strategist (Hybrid - La Crosse, WI)

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

Hiring Salary Range: $89,000 - $133,500

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level

PURPOSE: The Communications Strategist is an autonomous individual contributor who works closely with the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist to develop and refine strategic communications, messaging and materials for leadership delivery and execution. The role serves as a primary liaison among key internal stakeholders, independently coordinating information gathering, deadlines, documentation, reviews and approvals to keep communications work moving and enable the Senior Strategist to focus on public-facing priorities. This position supports strategic development and delivery, serves as backup to the Senior Strategist as needed and may represent Dairyland in internal and external settings involving high-profile or high-conflict issues. It exercises sound judgment and operates with meaningful independence while working within approved strategies, messaging and escalation protocols; primary ownership of the most sensitive public-facing priorities remains with the Senior Strategist and leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Partners closely with the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist to develop, refine and coordinate strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plans, key messages, programs and campaigns for major transmission projects, business initiatives and other high-priority work. Independently translates project information, stakeholder insights, research, analytics and approved business strategies into clear, communication-ready materials for the Senior Strategist, leadership and other designated messengers to deliver and execute.
• Serves as the day-to-day communications liaison among project teams, subject-matter experts, leaders, external project partners and other key internal and external stakeholders. Establishes work plans and timelines; gathers and validates information; receives, organizes and consolidates feedback; coordinates reviews; routes documentation for approval; tracks decisions and action items; and follows through with stakeholders to ensure commitments, deadlines and communication requirements are met.
• Maintains the internal alignment and documentation needed to advance communications work, including messaging frameworks, briefing materials, presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web and social media content, video and related materials. Identifies gaps, resolves routine barriers independently and elevates material risks, conflicts or decisions requiring Senior Strategist or leadership involvement.
• Supports planning and delivery of community outreach, public engagement, education, advocacy activities, project meetings, open houses and public events in coordination with the Senior Strategist and leadership. Prepares materials, coordinates logistics and stakeholder inputs, and may facilitate or participate in discussions using approved messaging; escalates matters presenting significant reputational, political, regulatory or business risk.
• Serves as backup to the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist as needed. Within established strategies, approved messaging and escalation protocols, provides continuity for priority communications, internal and external meetings, stakeholder updates and time-sensitive issues; supports high-profile or high-conflict matters without assuming the Senior Strategist’s primary ownership of the most sensitive public-facing priorities.
• Coordinates with leadership, the board of directors, Dairyland Managers Association, member cooperatives, project partners and other key internal and external stakeholders to collect input, prepare updates and support consistent understanding of approved communication and stakeholder engagement plans. In close partnership with the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist, provides counsel on key matters on behalf of Dairyland and in alignment with external project partners. Builds productive working relationships and influences across functions and organizations without direct authority.
• Tracks communication workstreams, deliverables, approvals, stakeholder feedback and results. Evaluates the effectiveness of strategies, tactics and materials; recommends improvements; and supports government affairs, communications, grants, regulatory affairs and other internal partners with messaging and documentation needed to advance project, business and regulatory objectives.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications or related field with minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, external affairs, community engagement and/or government relations. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of the utility industry. Utility (or related field) major project communications management experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to operate as an autonomous individual contributor, independently organize and advance complex work, recognize when alignment or approval is required, and keep multiple stakeholders and deliverables moving without direct authority.
• Strong strategic thinking, project coordination, organizational and execution skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize information, establish timelines, manage documentation, coordinate reviews and approvals, and deliver accurate communications under competing deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written, digital/social media and interpersonal communication skills, including highly proficient writing and editing using proper grammar, advanced composition techniques, journalistic standards and AP style.
• Ability to communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues and challenges to varied audiences, including leadership, internal partners, member cooperatives, regional stakeholders and the public.
• Strong judgment, tact, discretion and composure when supporting high-profile or high-conflict matters. Ability to participate effectively in business, legislative, community and public forums within approved messaging and established escalation protocols, while deferring primary ownership of the most sensitive public-facing issues to the Senior Strategist or leadership.
• Goal-oriented self-starter with strong follow-through, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, anticipate needs, resolve routine barriers and manage shifting priorities and decisions under pressure.
• Ability to build trust and work in close partnership with the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist, leaders and colleagues across functions; influence stakeholders who are not direct reports; clarify responsibilities; and maintain accountability for inputs, reviews, approvals and deadlines.
• Solution-oriented, creative thinker who can contribute to strategic development, refine ideas into communication-ready recommendations and materials, and balance independent action with appropriate collaboration and escalation.
• Proven safety-first leadership commitment to foster a culture of safety and excellence, with ability to quickly learn and follow Dairyland policies and procedures.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS:

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
• Life insurance
• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Robust Wellness Program
• New Flexible Work Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.

About Dairyland Power Cooperative

With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace.