Communications Strategist

Dairyland Power Cooperative

. Develop, refine and coordinate strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plans, key messages, programs and campaigns for major transmission projects, business initiatives and high-priority work .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeLa Crosse • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $89,000 - $133,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and project management within the utility industry. Proficient in creating communication-ready materials and managing complex workstreams while building productive relationships across various stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications ManagementStakeholder EngagementProject CoordinationUtility Industry KnowledgeVerbal and Written Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications PlanningContent DevelopmentWriting and EditingDigital/Social Media ManagementProject ManagementAnalytical SkillsMessaging FrameworksPublic EngagementEvaluation of Communication StrategiesAP Style Proficiency

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingOrganizational SkillsInterpersonal SkillsJudgment and DiscretionSolution-Oriented Thinking

Industry Keywords

Utility IndustryCommunity EngagementGovernment RelationsPublic AffairsStakeholder Feedback

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, refine and coordinate strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plans, key messages, programs and campaigns for major transmission projects, business initiatives and high-priority work
Translate project information, stakeholder insights, research, analytics and approved business strategies into communication-ready materials
Serve as the day-to-day communications liaison among project teams, subject-matter experts, leaders, external project partners and internal and external stakeholders
Establish work plans and timelines; gather and validate information; organize feedback; coordinate reviews; route documentation for approval; track decisions and action items
Maintain messaging frameworks, briefing materials, presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web and social media content, video and related materials
Support community outreach, public engagement, education, advocacy activities, project meetings, open houses and public events
Serve as backup to the Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist for priority communications, meetings, stakeholder updates and time-sensitive issues
Coordinate with leadership, the board of directors, managers, member cooperatives, project partners and other stakeholders to collect input and prepare updates
Provide counsel on key matters and build productive working relationships across functions and organizations without direct authority
Track communication workstreams, deliverables, approvals, stakeholder feedback and results
Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies, tactics and materials and recommend improvements
Support government affairs, communications, grants and regulatory affairs partners with messaging and documentation
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications or related field
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, external affairs, community engagement and/or government relations
Comprehensive knowledge of the utility industry
Utility (or related field) major project communications management experience preferred
Ability to operate as an autonomous individual contributor and independently organize and advance complex work
Strong strategic thinking, project coordination, organizational and execution skills
Excellent verbal, written, digital/social media and interpersonal communication skills
Highly proficient writing and editing using proper grammar, advanced composition techniques, journalistic standards and AP style
Ability to communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues to varied audiences
Strong judgment, tact, discretion and composure when supporting high-profile or high-conflict matters
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and manage shifting priorities under pressure
Ability to build trust, influence stakeholders who are not direct reports, and maintain accountability for inputs, reviews, approvals and deadlines
Solution-oriented, creative thinking and ability to balance independent action with collaboration and escalation
Proven safety-first leadership commitment
Ability to quickly learn and follow Dairyland policies and procedures

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
Life insurance
Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
Paid Time Off
Robust Wellness Program
New Flexible Work Program
Tuition Reimbursement