The Communications Manager for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas is an experienced communications professional and leader responsible for developing and implementing all internal and external communications strategy and issue management for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas. The manager will lead the team responsible for all employee, executive and external communication strategy, media relations, social media, internal client services support and advertising on behalf of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas.

The manager will align strategies with the Southern Company Gas Corporate Communications efforts and initiatives and foster the development of functional expertise in all areas mentioned above and in addition to PR, customer support and brand communication. The communications manager will provide daily work direction to a team of two communications professionals including one manager, bringing issues management expertise to the team. He/she will oversee and execute a variety of complex communications programs and strategies (related to rate/ARMM filings, safety, community outreach, etc.) that enhance and protect Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas brand and reputation. 

He or she works in a strategic capacity as a business partner with Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas executives and other internal functional areas to implement internal and external communications campaigns and programs that effectively supports the overall business goals of Southern Company Gas. The position reports to the Director of Communications Strategy and Public Relations for Southern Company Gas. 
 
Functional Expertise:

• Continually research, explore and recommend new and enhanced communications engagement platforms and strategies to improve the company’s communications engagement with internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee and provide guidance on all external media strategy and engagement
• Oversee and provide guidance on customer facing materials and communications 
• Serve on Incident Support Team and serve as Communications Lead during a crisis as designated
• Oversee and provide guidance on public relations and employee communication-facing materials, issues etc. 
• Manage team budget
• Oversee and provide guidance on digital communications strategy and engagement including social media and websites for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas
• Other duties as assigned 

Business Acumen:

• Lead role in developing the company’s internal and external PR and messaging plans as needed (earned/paid/shared/owned platforms)
• Responsible for managing the team that creates company messages, speeches, communication plans for key stakeholders
• Develop media strategy and related communications plans to support activity across functional areas within Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas (Community and Business Development, Customer Experience, Operations, etc.)
• Oversee and advise development and implementation of annual thought leadership plans for executives and the company

Engagement:

• Responsible for enhancing productivity of direct reports through selection, training, motivation and performance coaching
• Lead regular staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with each direct report
• Establish media training sessions and refresher courses for company spokespeople, as needed
• Communicate recommendations and strategies to executive and senior leadership team
• Role modeling honesty, respect, organizational values and fairness towards all

Driving Results:

• Establish goals and objectives for the Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Corp Communication team
• Implement or drive process improvements
• Monitor progress against metrics/deliverables; hold self and others accountable for results
• Develop and track success metrics that align with Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas and  corporate goals and those of the individual business units 
   

Education, Certifications/Licenses:  
 
Required: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred: 

• Advanced degree or APR (Accredited in Public Relations) or ABC (Accredited Business Communicator) certification; Active role in industry organization such as PRSA or IABC.

 
 
Related Work Experience:
 
Required: 

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive communications management experience

Preferred: 

• Core PR, Media Relations, Employee and Executive Communications, Community Relations, Crisis Communications, Customer Experience, Regulatory, Governmental and Compliance. 

 
 
Specific Skills & Knowledge: 
 
Required: 

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Preferred: 

• Experience with Social Media Platforms and other external facing communications technologies
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Exceptional written and verbal skills
• Exceptional presentation skills
• Ability to hold self and others accountable for performance

 
 
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Intermediate Traveler (15-40% travel):  The incumbent will be required to travel on occasion.  Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights.
• The incumbent worked in a hybrid environment with flexibility to report to the Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas and GAS headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. And Chattanooga, TN. 
• Work hours may frequently extend beyond traditional business hours in order to meet media deadlines, provide support in a crisis situation or attend events on company’s behalf.