Careers

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Are you that unique individual who excels in both the creative and technical aspects of communications? Do you have experience creating compelling content using AP Style guidelines and adapting content for use in print, digital and social media tools? Are you looking for more than just a job — and the chance to be creative and make a difference? Then the Virgina, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives has a fantastic opportunity for you. We seek a Director of Strategic Communications who can write compelling stories, embrace technology, and design multi-faceted communications materials to reach diverse audiences.

The Virgina, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives provides communications, legislative, regulatory, safety and training support to 16 electric cooperatives across three states. Our communications team tells the stories of the frontline heroes who keep the lights on, educates consumers about the issues facing the power industry, and communicates about how electric cooperatives are adapting to the future while holding on to the traditions that make cooperatives thrive.

The person chosen for this role will collaborate closely with our strategic communications team to adapt content from our nationally recognized consumer magazine, Cooperative Living, for additional audiences, and provide compelling original content for websites and social media channels. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, this position will be on the front lines developing strategic communications tools, building relationships, and identifying ways to broaden the association’s reach with audiences from elected officials to residents of rural Virginia.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

1. 1. This position is in-office in Glen Allen, VA with flexibility for remote work as appropriate.
   2. This position requires flexibility to travel and to attend frequent meetings and events including some during non-traditional hours, evenings, weekends, and mealtimes.
   3. This employee must maintain a valid driver’s license.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

1. 1. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or marketing is preferred.
   2. At least 5 years of relevant working experience in communications, marketing, or journalism.
   3. Strong writing, editing, proofreading and digital photography skills.
   4. Strong skills in Microsoft Office, Power Point, Excel, and Adobe Creative Cloud software platforms.
   5. A mastery of Associated Press (AP) Style.
   6. Experience with writing, editing, designing, and producing communications for print, video, websites and social media.
   7. Ability to work in a standard office environment.
   8. Ability to motivate others and engender teamwork.
   9. Strong planning and organizational skills.
   10. Some non-overnight travel is required in this position.
   11. Cooperative, government or non-profit experience is a plus.

We offer an excellent compensation package, depending on experience, with outstanding benefits.

To apply, send resume to Mary Soulios at [email protected].

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

REPORTS TO: Vice President of External Affairs

The purpose of this role is to maintain a favorable legislative and political environment for electric cooperatives in our three-state area. The successful candidate will develop and maintain effective working relationships with state legislators, legislative staff members, and with members of Congress and other policymakers representing Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware to ensure that cooperative positions on key legislative issues are understood and supported.

The Director of Legislative Affairs will work effectively with our large, active cooperative membership across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware to develop consensus positions on issues that are important to electric cooperatives. They will attend political events with legislators and stakeholders from a variety of collaborative groups that share our interests in the utility and energy policy space. They will maintain relationships with key stakeholders in other organizations to build external coalitions while enhancing our cooperative grassroots/grasstops programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. 1. Communication of key legislative issues at the state and federal level to meet the legislative and political goals of the Association and its members.
      1. Register as a lobbyist in Virginia.
      2. Assist in working with VMDAEC members to create and monitoring public policy that impacts members, including but not limited to: energy, utilities, renewable energy, emerging technologies, environment, broadband, economic development, workforce development.
      3. Develop and maintain relationships with legislative decision makers.
      4. Track relevant legislation during the Virginia General Assembly session.
      5. Work with Maryland and Delaware members to provide legislative support as needed to assist them in achieving their objectives.
      6. Develop and maintain relationships with members of the U.S. Congress and their staff for federal advocacy efforts.
      7. Effectively coordinate with member legislative work groups, outside lobbyists, and NRECA.
      8. Represent VMDAEC and our member cooperatives to outside organizations.
      9. Public speaking at meetings and hearings as needed.
   2. Assist in the coordination of the Political Action Committee
      1. Manage VMDAEC’s member-funded political action committee, Community-Owned Power PAC (CO-OP PAC).
      2. Coordinate state CO-OP PAC program and federal America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC program for members.
      3. Design and adhere to CO-OP PAC budget and assist in developing contribution strategy that will make the best use of member’s funds.
      4. Communicate with candidates on behalf of CO-OP PAC, including but not limited to: drafting contribution letters, attending political fundraisers, and coordinating member participation in political events.
   3. Assist with building grassroots/grasstops initiatives on selected issues.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

1. 1. This position is in-office with flexibility for remote work as appropriate.
   2. This position requires flexibility to attend frequent meetings and events during non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and mealtimes.
   3. This employee must maintain a valid driver’s license.
   4. During the legislative session, this position works extended hours.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

1. 1. Three years of experience in a related field such as government and/or legislative, campaign, or advocacy positions.
   2. Bachelor’s degree or associate degree with concentration in writing or liberal arts (i.e., political science, communications, human development, sociology, journalism, history, etc.)
   3. Excellent persuasive writing skills.
   4. Strong familiarity with legislative protocols in Virginia and at the federal level.
   5. Strong relationships with state legislators and staff preferred.
   6. Experience with public speaking required.

If interested, please send resume to Mary Soulios at [email protected].

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SAFETY TRAINING INSTRUCTOR

REPORTS TO: Manager of Safety Services

Position is responsible for researching, developing and delivering compelling and relevant content and curricula as identified in collaboration with Member personnel.  Responsible for training classes and operation of Association’s Training Center in Palmyra, VA. Oversees ongoing professional development of Association training services staff to ensure excellence in presentations and content.  Collaborates with the Manager of Safety Services on all aspects of competition at the annual Lineman’s Rodeo.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. 1. Regularly ascertains Member satisfaction with safety training and implements necessary changes.
   2. Research, develops and delivers course content that is continually refreshed and up to date with all applicable safety laws and regulations
   3. Oversees training delivered at the Training Center.
   4. Ensures the efficient operation of the Training Center building and grounds.
   5. Effectively markets the Training Center to outside organizations to maximize use of facilities and generate revenue.
   6. Supervises subordinate instructors.
   7. Recruit and oversee vendor instructors for training classes.
   8. Responsible for implementing new member services.
   9. Ensures that Association trainers are competent and up to date in training content and methods.
   10. Pursues continuous education for self to ensure modern, engaging presentation delivery, style and techniques.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. 1. Works on tasks as directed by management for training, emergency relief purposes, production needs or continuous improvements.

   2. Performs additional duties as required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree in business, safety, adult education or related field preferred but not required. Four or more years working as a journeyman lineman.  Supervisory experience preferred but not required.

 Certifications:

1. 1. 1. Certified Loss Control Professional: Must be obtained within a reasonable time within the sole discretion of the employer.
      2. National Safety Council Certification: Preferred.

If interested, please send resume to Mary Soulios at [email protected].

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.