Ext Communications Spec I

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

Position Summary

The External Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that position Duquesne Light Company (DLC) as an industry thought leader, enhance the company’s reputation, foster public trust and engage key external stakeholders. This role is pivotal in ensuring timely, transparent and effective communications, particularly related to the company’s clean energy vision and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and initiatives.

The External Communications Specialist must help amplify the company’s public image while ensuring clear and consistent messaging across all appropriate channels. This role is especially critical in maintaining trust, transparency and alignment with regards to the company’s ESG goals and initiatives. The position will have a significant and broad impact, particularly in the areas of thought leadership; customer trust and satisfaction; reputation and brand image; public and internal awareness and perception of sustainability/ESG efforts; crisis and emergency response; and shareholder and community relations.

Location: Hybrid; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Responsibilities

Assist with the development of the company’s annual ESG report through content planning and development, as well as leading the creation and execution of the communications strategy.

Lead the organization’s thought leadership strategy; work closely with internal subject matter experts (SMEs) and the executive leadership team (ELT) on talking points, thought leader pieces, award submissions and more.

Lead communications strategy and planning related to ongoing federal funding and associated projects that support DLC’s clean energy vision and ESG journey. Stay aligned with key internal stakeholders and departments, including Operations, Corporate Strategy and External Affairs, pertaining to the company’s ESG strategy, goals and KPIs.

Partner with the Corporate Responsibility team to stay informed on ESG issues and topics that are relevant to the company; support the evolution of DLC’s ESG culture through inspiring and insightful communications with customers, employees and other stakeholders.

Stay informed on industry topics, ESG trends and socioeconomic issues in trade, national and local publications; pitch relevant thought leader opportunities and develop content where appropriate.

Collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff on drafting key messages and talking points for the ELT prior to board meetings, media interviews, speaking engagements and other opportunities.

With support from the team, develop positive working relationships with media partners and local organizations, including Pittsburgh Earth Day and the Green Building Alliance, to build awareness of DLC’s ESG efforts.

When appropriate, arrange media interviews and assist with preparation.

Support content for quarterly earnings calls when needed.

Stay aligned with the communications team to ensure that messaging is consistent and on brand across internal and external channels.

Collaborate with PR/communication agencies as needed.

Participate in the team’s on-call rotation for general media inquiries and storm coverage.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism or communications.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations or external/corporate communications.

Preferred Skills

Experience with ESG/sustainability initiatives and communications, particularly sustainability reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Index (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Boards (SASB) or similar benchmarks.

Experience working in the utility/energy industry.

Experience with media monitoring/reporting platforms, particularly Meltwater.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work and build alignment with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Strong communicator with ability to facilitate meetings, conceive, craft, and deliver presentations to stakeholders.

Highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated.

Why youll love working here: We live by our values!

We are safe above all else. We must keep ourselves, each other, our customers and communities safe.

We are guided by our commitment to integrity and never compromising on ethics.

We are dependable, collaborative and steady; we are a trusted partner to all.

We believe in equity and equal access to work, resources and opportunities are critical elements of a clean energy future for all.

We are ingrained in our community ; we work where we live and are committed to serving our vibrant, diverse communities.

Scope

Primary focus is on daily deliverables, outputs, and reporting. Accountable for managing one’s own time and workflow and leads projects and/or large project steps. Work is complex in nature, requiring the incumbent to draw on previous knowledge to perform role. Acts independently the majority of the time, requiring guidance in only complex situations. Has well established capabilities, acts as a resources to less experienced staff on moderately complex issues.

Decision Impact

Problems and issues faced are vague and require analysis of multiple sources of information for solution. Draws on significant epast experience to perform role. Accountable for direct level of reasoning and decision making.

Hybrid Work

Position follows our hybrid work model, with a minimum of two days working in the office and the remaining days working remotely. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All non-union employees will serve in a storm role as appropriate to their typical role and skillset. Please be sure to discuss storm roles with the hiring manager for this position, as duties can vary across the company. Examples of storm roles could include but are not limited to: Working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer experience or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information, etc.

Data Governance

Utilize data to make business decisions as appropriate for the position, support data stewardship activities and partner with IT on underlying data needs.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at HR@duqlight.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.