📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)
🔹 Location: Arlington, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Contributing to marketing and member engagement through written and posted content
- Communicating with members, industry outlets, and prospects about Touchstone Energy programs and services
- Collaborating with the member engagement team to support program awareness and execution
- Developing and maintaining communication materials, including new member kits and SHiNE website launch kits
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written communication skills and the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences. Familiarity with the electric cooperative industry is a plus but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write and distribute news releases and media advisories to trade press to build awareness of Touchstone Energy accomplishments and new programs and services
✅ Write and place articles about Touchstone Energy member accomplishments in Statewide association magazines
✅ Collect case studies on member best practices and unique ideas for the Admire and Acquire database
✅ Develop and post content on LinkedIn and manage LinkedIn Groups, including Co-op Champions
✅ Maintain the presentation library to ensure up-to-date content for promotion of Touchstone Energy programs
✅ Develop and maintain new member kits, SHiNE website launch kits, and other communications materials as needed
✅ Publish the Annual Report and Board Bulletin communications
✅ Serve on the member engagement team to support awareness and execution of programs and events
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Attention to detail and a keen eye for storytelling are essential for success in this position.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Press Relations, or a related field
Experience: 2 or more years of experience in communications and/or marketing
Required Skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to adjust messaging and style based on audience
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and web scripting (or willingness to learn)
- Experience with e-marketing, publication tools, and best practices
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with the electric cooperative industry
- Experience with project management and collaboration tools
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a non-profit or association environment may find this role particularly appealing. Relevant industry experience is a plus but not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for mid-level communications roles in the Arlington, VA area)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for occasional remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Utilities (specifically, electric cooperatives)
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees)
Founded: 1998
Company Description:
- Touchstone Energy is a national network of electric cooperatives that provides research, communications resources, and employee training programs to help its member cooperatives better engage and serve their members.
- Through access to targeted programs and a unifying national brand, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand out as a trusted source of power and information to their 30 million member-owners every day.
- The organization's values include integrity, innovation, accountability, and commitment to community.
Company Specialties:
- Delivering power and energy solutions
- Advertising & Marketing
- Education & Training
- Best Practices and Account Management
Company Website: touchstoneenergy.com
ASSUMPTION: Touchstone Energy's focus on member engagement and community involvement may appeal to candidates who value working for an organization that prioritizes these aspects.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager of Marketing and Member Engagement
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional flexibility for remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the organization as the network grows
- Opportunities to learn and develop skills in various aspects of communications and marketing
- Potential to attend and represent Touchstone Energy at industry events and conferences
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader electric cooperative industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a casual and collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203
Geographic Context:
- Arlington, VA is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The area is known for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and diverse neighborhoods
- Arlington is easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for occasional remote work)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who enjoy working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and appreciate the benefits of living in a diverse, urban area may find this role and location particularly appealing.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a panel of team members
- Final interview with the Director of Marketing and Member Engagement
- Background check and reference check (if applicable)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Creativity and storytelling abilities
- Understanding of the electric cooperative industry (or willingness to learn)
- Project management and organizational skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication and project management skills in your application materials
- Demonstrate your understanding of the electric cooperative industry and Touchstone Energy's mission in your cover letter
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Press Relations, E-Marketing, Publication Tools, HTML, CSS, Web Scripting, Project Management, Collaboration Tools, Microsoft Office, Customer Service, Content Development, Social Media Management, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills
ASSUMPTION: Touchstone Energy's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit. Candidates who can demonstrate their ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment may be particularly successful in this role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Monday.com, Jira)
- HTML, CSS, and web scripting tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Candidates who are eager to learn and adapt to new tools may be particularly successful in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior
- Innovation: Embracing change and continuously seeking new and better ways to serve members
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and delivering on commitments
- Commitment to Community: Fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to the betterment of the communities served by Touchstone Energy cooperatives
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Working closely with team members to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations as needed
- Detail-oriented: Paying close attention to the details of projects and tasks to ensure high-quality outcomes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have strong written and verbal communication skills, and can you adjust your messaging to suit different audiences?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and do you enjoy contributing to the success of a larger organization?
- Do you have a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for creating engaging content?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share Touchstone Energy's values and are comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment may be particularly successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and time management
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including members, industry outlets, and prospects, may require strong communication and adaptability skills
- Occasional travel may be required for industry events and conferences
- Working in a small organization may require candidates to be comfortable with a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges may present opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on the organization's success.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Specialist (Touchstone Energy) vs. Communications Manager (Large Corporation): The former role may offer more opportunities for creativity and autonomy, while the latter may provide more structured career progression and resources
- Communications Specialist (Touchstone Energy) vs. Communications Coordinator (Non-profit Organization): The former role may offer more opportunities for strategic thinking and decision-making, while the latter may provide more opportunities for hands-on, tactical execution
- Career Path: Communications Specialist (Touchstone Energy) → Senior Communications Specialist → Communications Manager → Director of Communications
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal and professional goals, as well as their preferred work environment, when comparing similar roles and considering their career path.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a social media strategy to increase engagement and awareness of Touchstone Energy programs and services
- Creating and distributing a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed about industry trends, best practices, and Touchstone Energy accomplishments
- Managing the production and distribution of an annual report, highlighting the organization's achievements and impact on the electric cooperative industry
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required in this role. The specific projects and initiatives may vary depending on the organization's priorities and needs.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the electric cooperative industry, and how does Touchstone Energy contribute to addressing them?
- How does this role fit into the organization's long-term goals and strategy for member engagement and community involvement?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader electric cooperative industry?
- How does Touchstone Energy support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the team culture like, and how does this role contribute to the team's success?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the organization's mission, culture, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates should tailor their questions to their specific interests and concerns.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication and project management skills in your application materials
- Demonstrate your understanding of the electric cooperative industry and Touchstone Energy's mission in your cover letter
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
