Senior Communications Strategist

About the role

At Peoples Gas, great communication helps employees, customers and stakeholders understand priorities, navigate change and make informed decisions. It also strengthens trust and supports clear, confident response during emerging issues and critical events. We’re seeking a Senior Communications Strategist with exceptional writing and communication skills who can lead integrated communications from strategy through execution, serving as a trusted communications advisor while remaining deeply involved in day-to-day development and delivery of high-quality communications across multiple channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communication strategies and actionable plans aligned with business objectives, stakeholder needs and reputation considerations.
• Define audiences, objectives, key messages, channels, responsibilities, timelines and measures of success.
• Anticipate communication risks and opportunities and recommend practical solutions to leaders and business partners.
• Coordinate implementation across functions and channels while adapting plans as business conditions change.
• Evaluate communication effectiveness using analytics, audience feedback and business outcomes.
• Develop, edit, publish, and manage a variety of communications materials including employee and organizational articles/newsletters, customer/stakeholder communications, executive communications/speeches/presentations/leadership messages, news releases/media statements/talking points/FAQs/spokesperson materials, crisis/issues messaging/holding statements/response materials/communication toolkits, website/intranet/email/social media and other digital content.
• Partner with leaders across the organization to develop communication solutions that support business priorities; translate complex information into clear, consistent and audience‑focused messaging; build relationships with leaders, colleagues and external stakeholders; influence communication decisions.
• Manage content publishing across digital and traditional platforms; manage content calendars and communication schedules; ensure communications are accurate, timely, accessible and aligned with company branding; utilize communication metrics and analytics to improve audience engagement and channel effectiveness; support intranet, website, email and other digital communications platforms.
• Contribute to reputational management and issue management communications; build and maintain productive relationships with media and other external stakeholders; monitor emerging issues, assess communication implications and coordinate timely cross‑functional responses; prepare media statements, news releases, key messages and briefing materials; support crisis communications planning and response, including after‑hours and on‑site assistance when needed; serve as an alternate company spokesperson and media liaison during select events, crises and issues.
• Expected to travel to company events or crises, at times with minimal warning, to provide on‑site media relations/media liaison services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, corporate communications, journalism and/or marketing.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communication plans that support business objectives, issues management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to leaders on complex business initiatives and emerging issues.
• Experience leading proactive and reactive media relations, crisis communications and reputation management.
• Exceptional professional writing, editing and message development experience across multiple channels and audiences.
• Experience with digital communications, content publishing and channel management, including websites, intranets, content management systems and email platforms.
• Experience developing executive communications and stakeholder communications consistent with brand standards.

Skills

• Strategic, results‑oriented communications professional with sound judgment, strong problem‑solving skills and ability to translate business priorities into actionable communication plans and deliverables.
• Build consultative relationships with leaders, colleagues and external stakeholders; communicate effectively with senior management.
• Works well under pressure in a lean communications environment requiring both strategic planning and hands‑on content development.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, influence business outcomes and lead communications for complex, sensitive and high‑visibility initiatives, including expertise in media relations, spokesperson responsibilities, issue management, crisis communications and reputation management.
• Exceptional writing, editing, message development and executive communications skills, including proficiency in AP Style and ability to create and publish clear,