Communications Strategist (Hybrid - La Crosse, WI)

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Ability to communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues and challenges to varied audiences, including leadership, internal partners, member cooperatives, regional stakeholders and the public.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 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.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Proven safety-first leadership commitment to foster a culture of safety and excellence, with ability to quickly learn and follow Dairyland policies and procedures.

Preferred

• Utility (or related field) major project communications management experience preferred.

Benefits

• 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!