Summary

The Media Relations Communications Consultant or Senior is a key member of the APS Media Relations Team, driving the organization's communications objectives through effective earned media strategies and fostering relationships with local, national, trade, and Spanish-language journalists. The consultant is a persuasive communicator adept at translating complex technical information into clear messages, providing strategic counsel, contributing to discussions and decision-making, coordinating media opportunities and supporting crisis communications.

The consultant thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced and cross-functional environment, takes initiative, and demonstrates strong teamwork and a proactive approach. This is an in-house, full-time opportunity in External Communications.

Minimum Requirements

Communications Consultant

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Communications or related field
• And five (5) years related writing/editing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, software application skills including word processing and desktop publishing, and solid project management skills.

Communications Consultant Senior

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, English or related field and (8) eight years related communications experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a company spokesperson and trusted advisor to senior leaders and internal partners
• Assessing risks and providing solutions
• Developing and executing strategic plans
• Writing news releases, statements, and key messages
• Pitching stories, coaching subject matter experts for media engagement, responding to media inquiries
• Providing interviews, including on-camera appearances
• Participating in crisis response efforts and exercises
• Liaising with community partners and PIOs
• Participating in a 24/7 on-call media duty rotation

Major Accountabilities

1. Advise senior leaders and internal teams on earned media strategies. Utilize critical thinking to craft messaging and make sound recommendations about company positioning to advance business objectives.

2. Develop and implement media relations plans, including proactive story pitching, media outreach, and response strategies for local, national, trade, and Spanish-language outlets.

3. Serve as an official company spokesperson, delivering clear, accurate and impactful messages for media engagements. Prepare company leaders and subject matter experts for media interviews.

4. Participate in crisis communications, drafting statements, managing media inquiries during incidents and supporting after-action reviews. Participate in a 24/7 on-call media duty rotation, demonstrating responsiveness and reliability.

5. Write, edit, and distribute media materials such as news releases, key messages and talking points, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

6. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, community partners and public information officers (PIOs).

7. Ensure all media relations activities meet quality standards, communication plans and confidentiality requirements.

8. Efficiently manage resources, collaborating with internal teams, vendors and external agencies to deliver timely, effective support within budget.

9. Stay current on industry trends, media landscapes, and issues affecting the energy sector to inform strategic recommendations and outreach.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

*Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).

*Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.

*Role types are subject to change based on business need.