Director Of Communications And Outreach

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is looking for a Director of Communications and Outreach to join our team!
ABOUT US!
3CE is a Community Choice Aggregation agency established by local communities to source clean and renewable electricity for 435,000 customers in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. 3CE’s Board of Directors represents thirty-five local city and county governments throughout the Central Coast.
3CE is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through local control of utility scale renewable electricity generation provided at competitive rates and the implementation of innovative energy programs that facilitate the electrification of the transportation and built environments. 3CE promotes long-term electric rate stability and energy security while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stimulating the local economy.
3CE has contracted for 889 MW of long term eligible renewable resources and 261 MW of battery storage in furtherance of its goal to reach 100% GHG-free energy by 2030. During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, 3CE provided immediate financial relief to its customers by deferring $22.4M in generation charges. 3CE has allocated over $12M toward its community energy programs– and we are just getting started!
We are dedicated to serving the unique needs of our diverse community, while achieving economic and environmental benefits through the advancement of renewable energy.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications & Outreach works under the general direction of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to oversee the development, management, and implementation of external communications, including promotion and marketing of Central Coast Community Energy (3CE’s) programs and services. The Director of Communications & Outreach directs, manages, and supervises 3CE’s Communications and Customer Account Services teams, which are responsible for customer relations, account services, community engagement, marketing and communications, and will assist the CCO in legislative and government affairs. The Director of Communications & Outreach is also responsible for oversight of and collaboration with external consultants that support this function.
The Director of Communications & Outreach is responsible for directing and working collaboratively with internal staff and external consultants to guide, support, and implement communication of 3CE’s value in customer service, community outreach, and messaging across all of 3CE’S internal departments. The Director of Communications & Outreach identifies strategies to increase overall customer engagement and awareness and is responsible for reputation management. The Director of Communications & Outreach oversees and provides guidance for customer enrollments, customer retention, key account management; earned, owned, and paid media, including media relations, and supports the CCO in managing federal, state, and local legislative relationships. This position ensures that key, strategic messages are communicated effectively to stakeholders and target audiences and includes oversight of customer account management, customer relations, and customer retention strategies. The Director of Communications & Outreach manages and coordinates outside consultants retained to provide services such as call center and billing services, website services, graphics, writing, advertising, and other related work, and is also responsible for communications and outreach-related budget preparation and tracking. The Director of Communications & Outreach and their team represent 3CE to outside organizations and agencies, support local events, make presentations to the community, professional groups, the Board of Directors, and staff.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position exercises supervision over staff.

• Conducts performance evaluations, implements performance correction as needed, and trains and coaches staff in work procedures.
• In collaboration with the Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, assists and advises CCO and COO on legislative matters and relationships
• Updates 3CE’S CCO, CEO and Board of Directors on customer service, marketing, communications, and public relations progress, projects and programs.
• Provides talking points and information to CCO, CEO, Board of Directors and staff to utilize for external and internal meetings and presentations.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the goals and work plan for the Communications & Outreach team.
• Assigns work activities, projects and programs, monitors workflow, reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures, meets with staff to resolve related issues.
• Evaluates data to determine success of Communications & Outreach team towards reaching agency goals; including implementation of customer surveys.

• Develops and maintains relationships with print, radio and television media, community groups and organizations, business leaders, and other public agencies and governmental representatives.
• Serves as 3CE’s spokesperson with the media as needed.
• Collaborates with staff and consultants to maintain website design, capabilities, and content.
• Oversees 3CE’S-sponsored social media and e-newsletter distribution, event and sponsorship opportunities, and 3CE’S sponsored press conferences and events.
• Provides direction, guidance and review of community outreach plans to encourage participation in energy programs, and support customer enrollment and retention.
• Writes and reviews press releases, agency newsletter, feature articles, and other materials for newspaper, magazines and related venues.
• Provides direction, guidance and review, in collaboration with staff and consultants, to plan and execute strategic marketing campaigns, collateral and promotional material that support business and community development goals.
• Develops strategies and implementation plans to respond to media inquiries and publicity, including misinformation campaigns.

• Oversees functions of the call center and data manager to improve and streamline customer service.
• Acts as an agency liaison to local governments and community-based organizations.
• Oversees resolution of billing issues, customer complaints, and technical issues that impact customers.

Experience/Education
Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in communication, public administration, environmental planning, business, marketing, or a related field and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in a supervisory or management role in the field of public affairs.
Experience working for a public utility, or a Community Choice Aggregation program is desirable.
Knowledge of:

• E-mail marketing platforms such as Constant Contact.
• Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, Salesforce, well web development tools.
• Research and statistical methods as applied to the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data.
• Techniques and methods of preparing and reviewing information, news release, and information materials including graphics and written copy.
• Public policy process, local and regional government, and environmental issues.
• Principles, techniques and methods of public information, integrated marketing communications, community and media relations and public education.
• Methods, operational characteristics, services and activities necessary for effective community outreach.
• The history of Community Choice aggregation legislation and implementation in California.
• Principles, practices, and methods of writing, publishing, and dissemination of a variety of informational materials, of graphic design, photography, and printing.
• Principles and practices of public speaking, public presentations and event planning.
• The organization of local government and concepts of public administration.
• Principles of management, supervision, training and performance evaluation.

• Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Take responsibility and work independently, as well as coordinate collaborative efforts and achieve work goals with and through first-line supervisors.
• Direct, supervise and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons encountered during the performance of duties.
• Demonstrate patience, tact, and courtesy.
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate clearly and effectively with customers.
• Convey complex information in a simple and understandable manner.
• Work well under pressure.
• Be thorough and detail-oriented.
• Understand, anticipate, and appreciate customer needs and concerns.
• Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through presentations.
• Identify and solve problems effectively and expeditiously.
• Make effective and dynamic presentations to community groups, governmental bodies, and 3CE’S Board and staff to achieve desired results.
• Achieve goals and provide accurate, timely, and meaningful progress updates.
• Exercise sound judgement, creative problem-solving effective dispute resolution, and commercial awareness.

The starting salary will be commensurate with the experience, qualifications, and skills of the successful candidate.
Central Coast Community Energy offers a competitive benefits package, including PARS Retirement System.

• Holidays - 10 days per year
• $2,400 Employer paid annual contribution towards FSA
• $1,500 Monthly Allowance towards Health Insurance, Dental, Vision & EAP for employees and dependents
• PARS Retirement: Employer Match Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation 457 Plan
• $3,600 Employer paid annual contribution towards HRA
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• $1,000 annual reimbursement towards Employee Health and Wellness