Job Listing
Director, Communications
Company:
Metropolitan Utilities District
Industry:
Non-profit
Job title:
Director, Communications
Job level:
Mid
Job description:
osition Summary
The Director, Communications is responsible for planning, budgeting, implementing and evaluating District communications to external (customer, media, industry, government, community) and internal (employee) publics. This role is responsible for supporting the District’s customer engagement initiatives, including the development of related communications. This role provides 24/7 oversight of internal and external communications, media relations , digital platforms, community relations and customer engagement initiatives. This role is responsible for responding to all media inquiries and must be available to provide after-hours media responses related to emergencies to provide support within the Incident Command structure.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related major
Minimum Requirements
Required – Minimum of 7 years of experience in corporate communications
Preferred – Demonstrated on-air television experience as a reporter, anchor, or organizational spokesperson.
Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing
Required – Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
Required – Pre-employment Background Check & Drug Screen Upon Hire
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Outstanding writing skills with a proven talent in design and layout of publications and brochures as well as aworking knowledge of web site maintenance and design.
Ability to work with many details simultaneously and to work under deadline.
Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely to the District’s internal and external publics.
Efficient written and verbal communication skills, in English, to assist internal and external customers, co-workersand management professionally, regardless of provocation. (Advanced proficiency)
Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include familiarity with, but notlimited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP).
Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required.
Essential Functions
Serve as the District’s official spokesperson for information and primary contact with the news media.
Being on-call to assist with crisis communications, providing responses to media inquiries whenever an emergencyoccurs.
Manage and coordinate the content, write and technical requirements to produce the District’s annual report.
Manage and coordinate the customer and media communication required by the District’s water conservation plan.
Develop and support the communication needs of the District’s customer engagement initiatives.
Manage the District’s Pipeline Public Awareness Plan to comply with the State Fire Marshal and U.S. DOT/PHMSAregulations.
Manage production and distribution of the annual Consumer Confidence Report for water quality as required by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Serve as the District’s web master, including the management of content, design and daily maintenance of the site.
Direct the District’s social media efforts, including content creation, response, monitoring and measurement.
Direct the District’s customer information program, including the content, design and production of M.U.D.’s print, audio visual, media communications including brochures, bill stuffers and brochures.
Coordinate District customer information activities with the Marketing Department.
Coordinate any public relations advertising or promotion programs, as directed.
Provide guidance to the director of the Employee Speakers Bureau in the areas of organization, administration,development, record keeping, procedures and functions of the organization and supervising script content andproduction of audio visual presentations, as well as promotion of ESB programs.
Serve as the District’s liaison with United Way and other community organizations.
Direct Heat Aid Fund promotions.
Coordinate and serve as a speechwriter for management and the board as needed.
Coordinate and maintain statutory publication of notices from the board for meetings, hearings and publication ofgas and water rules, as well as revisions to the rules for public distribution.
Direct content of District information to employees through publications, audio visual presentations and Intranet.
Coordinate and implement the service recognition program, including annual dinner, book and awards.
Direct the planning and organization-of employee – events (i.e. picnic, open houses, etc.).
Direct planning and communication support for the United Way drive and similar events.
Represent the District in industry organizations such as with the American Water Works Association, American GasAssociation, Midwest Energy Association, etc.
Supervise the work of the Corporate Communications staff.
Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadershipopportunities and professional development.
Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings.
Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of disciplinewhen appropriate.
Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and successionplanning.
Fulfilling responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional and Administrative positions as stated.
Required for All Jobs
Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures
In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but notlimited to:
-Board of Directors
-All levels of District
-Internal and external customers
-Federal, State, and local agencies
-Community organizations and partners
-Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role
-Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Combination: Work may be performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, officelighting and noises, but field/plant visits are required.
Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement
Job may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and work-from-home flexible work arrangement.
*Please see job posting on our Careers page for a full list of physical demands
*Please ensure the application is filled out thoroughly to be considered for this position
An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation”
Positions available:
1
Posted on:
January 27, 2026