Public Relations Specialist

$65,506 - $81,884/Yr

Orlando Utilities Commission - Orlando, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Orlando, FL

Utilities

About the position

OUC - The Reliable One, is presently seeking a Public Relations Specialist to join the Marketing & New Products division. At OUC, we don't just work - we're building a bright future of innovation and transformation for future generations. We are seeking a proactive and resourceful professional with exceptional interpersonal and project management skills to collaborate on the development and execution of stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and communication strategies. This role plays a vital part in advancing OUC's business priorities and strengthening its reputation by cultivating meaningful relationships and delivering impactful communication with external stakeholder groups. In this role, you will develop stakeholder engagement roadmaps, design public outreach strategies, and craft tailored messaging for diverse audiences. Responsibilities include developing talking points, FAQs, presentations, and crisis communication statements, managing stakeholder databases, and facilitating public meetings. You will collaborate across departments to ensure consistent and effective messaging while addressing complex topics such as energy equity, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure project impacts. We seek a creative problem-solver who can analyze data, navigate challenges, and communicate corporate goals effectively to build trust and clarity with stakeholders. OUC is an industry leader and the second largest municipal utility in Florida committed to innovation, sustainability, and our community, OUC's mission is to provide exceptional value to our customers and community by delivering sustainable and reliable services and solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support coordination for implementation of OUC's community engagement roadmap.
• Develop communications to ensure positive representation of OUC.
• Develop talking points, FAQs, fact sheets, presentations, scripts, and responses to comments/inquiries.
• Maintain positive working relationships with industry contacts and other agencies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of stakeholder communication plans to increase positive, proactive image and brand awareness.
• Identify stakeholders and interest level in OUC related topics and concerns.
• Create and maintain databases, schedule and participate in meetings, and coordinate stakeholder and public meetings.
• Ensure consistent internal and external messaging related to OUC issues and projects targeted towards external stakeholders for a wide range of platforms.
• Review branding and messaging strategies and tactics to ensure quality, clarity, conciseness and consistency across OUC channels of communication.
• Create messaging for various communication channels and audiences.
• Assist in developing statements for crisis situations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on initiatives and coordinate communications and outreach with external stakeholders.
• Conduct research to develop stakeholder data/profiles.
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder and public meetings to discuss issues of interest to stakeholders.
• Track stakeholder inquiries/requests and resolution and assist in drafting responses.
• Analyze media coverage and social media chatter related to OUC projects and key issues.
• Assist in preparing subject-matter experts for events and public-speaking opportunities.
• Assist in coordinating joint initiatives and events such as press conferences, groundbreakings, and storm or disaster responses.
• Assist in coordinating and participate in public relations and community events, and programs and initiatives.
• Provide administrative support as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, or public relations.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience tailoring messages for diverse audiences.
• Experience in stakeholder relationship management, public outreach, and communication strategy development.
• Ability to analyze media coverage, interpret data, and translate it into effective messaging.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with CRM systems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits and paid life insurance premiums with no probationary period.
• OUC's Hybrid Retirement Program includes a fully-funded cash balance account, defined contribution with employer matching along with a health reimbursement account.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Educational Assistance Program, to include tuition reimbursement, paid memberships in professional associations, paid conference and training opportunities.
• Wellness incentives and free access to all on-site OUC fitness facilities.
• Access to family-oriented recreational areas.
• Paid Conference and Training Opportunities.
• Free downtown parking.
• Hybrid work schedule.