Is an integral part of the CenterPoint Energy Corporate Communications team and collaborates with operations, customer, government relations, regulatory departments and external stakeholders to maintain and enhance CenterPoint’s reputation and proactively tell the company’s positive story. The senior corporate media specialist will be responsible for the development, management and execution of external communication plans, spokesperson duties and on-camera proactive storytelling across channels and emergency response duty. This role with have a focus on implementing best practices and protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation and image. Essential Functions Acts as company spokesperson, conducting interviews with media and engaging the public at business meetings and events. Serves on an after-hours media duty rotation including occasional weekends. Serves as a Corporate Communications representative, providing strategic guidance, identifying effective tactics and evaluating results. Serves on the emergency response communications team. May work extensive hours at CenterPoint Energy locations during a crisis response. Comfortable communicating across all channels including digital and social. Adept at communicating complex information that is easily consumed. Provides proactive counsel on strategic direction to corporate leadership, business leaders, colleagues and other stakeholders, with a focus on achieving business objectives. Develops and implements strategic internal and external communication plans. Includes developing key messages, strategies, timing and specific channels, and incorporating analytics and measurement for results. Develops and executes a range of communications strategies and tactics in support of CenterPoint Energy’s business imperatives in Texas – both electric and gas; positions the company’s services and capabilities with key audiences and stakeholders. Develops and implements strategic communications plans to support regulatory and government affairs initiatives highlighting issues pertaining to the company’s business goals and interests. Coordinates media and public speaking training programs for selected CenterPoint Energy executives, selected managers and staff who may be involved in addressing external audiences, including the news media, key opinion and thought groups and other external stakeholders. Develops and manages the production of a wide variety of communication materials, including news releases, fact sheets, articles, presentations, speeches, videos, social media content, digital signage, etc. Implements best practices and improves processes and deliverables proactively. Collaborates with graphic designers,marketing specialists to produce attractive and effective communication materials. Education Description Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Communications, Public Relations or a related area of study from an accredited college or university Experience 3 to 5 years of communications experience Experience as a company/organization spokesperson Experience in crisis response, including in an Incident Command System (ICS) Experience producing communication materials (e.g., news releases, statements, key messages, talking points, speeches) Skilled in shooting video, taking photos, and producing compelling multimedia content Experience working with and consulting senior leaders Integrated, multi-channel communications experience Experience translating technical information into layperson's terms Demonstrated skills and knowledge in leveraging both digital and traditional channels to create impactful communications that drive awareness and engagement Proven ability to craft substantive communications, sometimes at a rapid pace Proven multi-tasker Preferred Qualifications Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required Media/journalism reporting experience Energy sector and/or utility industry experience a plus Combination of corporate and agency communications experience Experience within a matrix organization A communications generalist and utility player with broad experience and the ability to flex and adapt to team and organizational needs A creative, highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter Able to work independently to accomplish goals and objectives Able to perform with poise under tight deadlines and shifting priorities; can successfully navigate fast-paced situations Flexibility and adaptability Exceptional written and oral communications skills Exceptional project and time management skills