📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Media Relations Representative
🔹 Company: Xcel Energy
🔹 Location: Denver, CO, 80205
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Utilities
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing strategic media relations plans
- Counseling and training corporate officers and managers
- Crafting news releases and other communications
- Monitoring and analyzing news media coverage
- Pursuing speaking engagements and PR opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of media relations experience and strong communication skills to effectively manage the company's public image and engage with various stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement media relations strategies for critical company policies, projects, and programs
✅ Counsel and train corporate officers, key managers, and spokespersons regarding news media strategies
✅ Craft company news releases and other strategic communications for external and internal audiences
✅ Monitor and analyze news media coverage of the Company and other energy-related issues
✅ Provide strategic communication counsel to executives and pursue speaking engagements and PR opportunities
✅ Collaborate with other media relations representatives on corporate initiatives, projects, and messaging
✅ Manage necessary administrative functions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to media relations, strong writing skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, especially during crises.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism or communications
Experience: Seven years of experience in media relations or public relations required. Experience in utility company media relations, as a reporter, or in a newsroom is highly desirable.
Required Skills:
- Proven media relations experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong strategic planning and execution abilities
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with media monitoring tools
- Familiarity with the energy industry
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and strong communication skills will be most competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $82,800.00 to $117,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Annual Incentive Program
- Medical/Pharmacy Plan
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
- Health Care Reimbursement Account
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Limited-Purpose FSA
- Transportation Reimbursement Account
- Short-term Disability (STD)
- Long-term Disability (LTD)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Fitness Center Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Transit Programs
- Employee Recognition Program
- Pension
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Holidays
- Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
- Parental Leave
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with on-call and after-hours duties as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior media relations role in the utilities sector. Benefits are comprehensive and competitive for the industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Utilities. Xcel Energy is a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, providing energy-related products and services to millions of customers across eight Western and Midwestern states.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large company, Xcel Energy offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Not specified. Xcel Energy has a long history in the energy industry and is committed to providing reliable and sustainable energy to its customers.
Company Description:
- Xcel Energy is dedicated to being the preferred and trusted provider of the energy its customers need
- The company is committed to delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy
- Xcel Energy offers work that makes a difference, a team you can count on, opportunities to grow, and rewards that help employees thrive
Company Specialties:
- Utility
- Renewable Energy
- Natural Gas
- Nuclear Energy
- Electricity
- Wind Energy
- Solar Energy
Company Website: http://www.xcelenergy.com
ASSUMPTION: Xcel Energy is a well-established company in the energy industry, offering a range of career opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior. This role is a senior-level position within the media relations department, requiring a high level of experience and expertise.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Media Relations Representative reports directly to the Manager of Media Relations and works closely with corporate officers, key managers, and other media relations representatives.
Work Arrangement: On-site. This role is based in Denver, CO, and requires regular on-site presence, with the possibility of remote work during crises or emergencies.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a management or leadership role within the media relations department
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional regions or business units
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the media relations department and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters. This role is based at Xcel Energy's Denver headquarters, located in the T3 building.
Office Location(s): Denver, CO, 80205
Geographic Context:
- Denver is the capital and most populous city of Colorado, with a diverse economy and a growing job market
- The city offers a range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities
- Denver has a semi-arid climate, with four distinct seasons and an average annual snowfall of 53.5 inches
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with on-call and after-hours duties as needed. The work schedule may vary depending on news cycles and company events.
ASSUMPTION: The Denver office provides a professional and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the media relations team
- Final interview with the director of corporate communications
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media relations experience and expertise
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic planning and execution abilities
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant media relations experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your media relations work, such as press releases, media kits, or successful campaigns
- Research Xcel Energy and the energy industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Crisis Management, Content Creation, Media Monitoring, Stakeholder Engagement, Thought Leadership, Training, Counseling, Project Management, Collaboration, Analysis, Communication Strategy, Customer Service, Safety Messaging
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates with relevant industry experience and strong communication skills will be most competitive.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant media relations tools and technologies is beneficial for this role, but not always required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
- Sustainability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and responsive to changing news cycles
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in media relations?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work culture?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Xcel Energy's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working effectively under pressure during crises or emergencies
- Adapting to changing news cycles and media landscapes
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior media relations roles, this position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package
- Xcel Energy is a well-established company in the energy industry, providing opportunities for career growth and development
- This role requires a higher level of media relations experience than entry-level or mid-level positions
ASSUMPTION: This role is competitive with other senior media relations positions in the utilities industry, offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic media relations plan for a major company initiative or project
- Counseling and training corporate officers and managers on effective media communication strategies
- Crafting and distributing a press release announcing a significant company milestone or achievement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and required skills for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical news cycle for our industry and how this role would manage it?
- How does this role collaborate with other media relations representatives and corporate officers?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does Xcel Energy support the professional development and growth of its media relations team members?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in and understanding of the role, as well as their ability to think critically and strategically about media relations challenges and opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant media relations experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your media relations work, such as press releases, media kits, or successful campaigns
- Research Xcel Energy and the energy industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
