Senior Public Affairs & Communications Strategist

Dairyland Power Cooperative

. Develop, own and lead public affairs, communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for the pipeline project and other high-profile initiatives .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeLa Crosse • Wisconsin • United StatesSenior💰 $155,800 - $233,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing strategic communications plans, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategies for high-visibility initiatives. Proficient in managing complex communication workstreams and leading public-facing interactions in high-stakes environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications PlanningPublic Affairs ExpertiseStakeholder EngagementMedia RelationsUtility Industry Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Writing and EditingDigital/Social Media CommunicationCampaign DevelopmentIssue ManagementCommunication Metrics Tracking

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsConflict ResolutionInfluencing SkillsDecision-Making Under Pressure

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsCommunity RelationsGovernment RelationsStakeholder ForumsHigh-Visibility Initiatives

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, own and lead public affairs, communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for the pipeline project and other high-profile initiatives
Establish strategic priorities, key messages, engagement plans, issue narratives and campaign approaches
Serve as principal project media relations representative and lead public-facing spokesperson
Represent Dairyland in sensitive interviews, public meetings, open houses, stakeholder forums and other high-profile settings
Advise the Director, CEO and executive leaders on media strategy, reputational risk, stakeholder dynamics and public affairs issues
Anticipate emerging concerns and opposition and recommend actions to protect reputation, public trust and project viability
Make day-to-day communications decisions, adjust tactics, coordinate responses and approve routine project communications within established protocols
Lead communication planning and execution for public engagement, education, advocacy, community outreach, meetings, open houses and public events
Facilitate stakeholder discussions, de-escalate challenging interactions and direct issue response
Direct cross-functional communications work with internal teams, external project partners and project management teams
Select, direct and evaluate external communications and public affairs consultants
Manage assigned budgets and resources where applicable
Hold contributors accountable for deliverables and results without direct supervisory responsibility
Provide executive briefings, strategic updates, risk assessments and decision recommendations
Coordinate with the Communications Strategist to support information flow, execution and message consistency
Measure communication and stakeholder engagement results, track metrics, monitor feedback and recommend adjustments
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, political science, business or related field
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, community relations and/or government relations
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for large, complex or high-visibility initiatives
Experience serving as a visible organizational representative in interviews, public meetings, stakeholder forums or other external-facing environments
Utility industry knowledge required
Strong strategic public affairs and communications judgment
Ability to lead communications for high-visibility, complex or controversial projects
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 manage high-stakes discussions and difficult stakeholder interactions in a high-conflict environment
Strong organizational and execution skills for complex communication workstreams, outreach plans, campaigns, external events and competing deadlines
Ability to influence and coordinate work across project management, leadership, technical teams, regulatory partners, government affairs, member cooperatives, external consultants and other stakeholders
Ability to communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues to varied audiences
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision while managing shifting priorities, stressful situations and decisions under pressure
Proven safety-first leadership commitment
Ability to quickly learn and follow Dairyland policies and procedures
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available

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