External Communications Cnslt

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

LOCATION

This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the Royal Oak Service Center located in Royal Oak, MI or Livonia Service Center located in Livonia, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The External Communications Consultant is responsible for communicating with various external audiences through multiple communication channels, such as earned and owned media. This role ensures that messages are implemented, and materials meet company standards and guidelines, aligning with our company's mission, brand, philanthropic goals, and strategic interests. The consultant will work with internal subject matter experts to clearly define external messages, business needs, and challenges, create appropriate communication strategies, manage review cycles, and collaborate to ensure the fulfillment of corporate sponsorship, recognition, and benefits. They will be relationship builders and strategic communicators with the ability to create alliances that continuously build on and protect the company's external reputation.

Additionally, this position will join the company's Media Relations team and serve as the lead Public Relations individual for the company in the Southeast Michigan and Flint/Genesee County media markets. This individual will serve as the company's primary face and voice in the southeast Michigan media market, in particular the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and Genesee. You are responsible for developing effective relationships with print, radio and TV reporters for the company, one of Michigan's largest energy providers. This individual will need world-class presentation, verbal and written communications skills to present on-camera comments and interviews to local, statewide and national reporters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with leaders and teams from different business areas to develop comprehensive external communication strategies tailored to their specific goals and needs.
• Identify opportunities for synergy and alignment across the organization to maintain a cohesive brand image.
• Ensure consistent application of corporate brand standards across all communication channels.
• Lead the development of crisis communication plans and provide support during high-impact events.
• Measure the effectiveness of external communication efforts, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Produce high-quality communication content to convey key messages effectively in respective channels.
• Serve as the general writer/editor for the area of responsibility.
• Provide editing and reviews of messages for clients, including external communications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts.
• Oversee the execution of a variety of communication materials, develop a communications plan (i.e., key messages, timeline, stakeholders, audience, channels, and visual assets), and manage the various components of the plan to ensure desired outcomes are achieved and goals are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as may be necessary.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Consulting and strategic relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and adapt to the needs of different organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in external communication.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute communication plans.
• Technically savvy.
• Highly proficient in using industry-standard tools and applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degreein marketing, advertising, public affairs, human resources, community affairs, communications, journalism, media, digital media, or a related field with two (2) or more years of experience in external communications, public relations, or a related field, professional writing, and building and maintaining various stakeholder relationships.
• OR Associate's degreein marketing, advertising, public affairs, human resources, community affairs, communications, journalism, media, digital media, or a related field with four (4) or more years of experience in external communications, public relations, or a related field, professional writing, and building and maintaining various stakeholder relationships.
• OR High school diplomawith six (6) or more years of experience in external communications, public relations, or a related field, professional writing, and building and maintaining various stakeholder relationships.

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Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.