External & Financial Communications Manager (Hybrid)

Job Description

Primary Purpose

This role manages Sempra’s media relations and financial communications programs in support of the mission, business goals and core values of the company.

This includes forging key media relationships with local and tier-one business press, developing communication plans, writing materials and managing distribution, and closely collaborating with investor relations and operating company media teams.

The position requires 24 / 7 availability to respond to operational emergencies that require crisis communications support to help protect the reputation of the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage and develop communications to support release of material or financial information to the press and investment community in coordination with investor relations (e.

g., quarterly earnings reports, investor day, M&A activity and other strategic announcements, etc.).

• Proactively identify and drive key messages on business performance, long-term company goals and industry trends. This includes collaborating with other groups throughout the organization to ensure messages are effectively targeted to stakeholders and drive desired reputation outcomes.
• Inform and oversee execution of our media relations program, including cultivating relationships with key reporters and media outlets.
• Develop statements, press releases, talking points and other communications to reflect company’s position on various proactive and reactive matters.
• Collaborate with operating companies to oversee the management of the enterprise-wide media content calendar to create internal and external alignment.
• Work closely with subject matter experts, executives, internal thought leaders and PR agency. Maintain company’s crisis communications plans.
• Identify key metrics to inform the media relations and financial communications programs and analyze available data to improve reach and KPIs.
• Collaboratively develop internal reports to showcase the department’s reach and influence for key business announcements and quarterly earnings.
• Advise on issues management and help manage crisis response.
• Maintain all crisis communications plans and coordinate appropriate internal crisis-communications training.
• Monitor energy sector media coverage and energy policy environment to help identify emerging issues and opportunities.
• Performs other strategic communications projects including awards support and budget management as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public policy, public relations or related field, required.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in public relations, journalism or related field, required.
• 12+ years of experience in public relations, journalism or related field, preferred.
• Energy industry experience and knowledge, preferred.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.
• We offer a hybrid work environment. Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow you to work from the office three days per week and work remotely on the remaining workdays.

Skills and Knowledge

Engaging writer and storyteller who can distill complex strategic concepts and craft a compelling narrative for multiple stakeholder audiences;

excellent proofreader and editor with expertise in AP style writing standards.

• Strong project management skills and a history of driving projects to completion in a fast-paced environment with a high standard of excellence.
• Strong business and financial acumen with an understanding of and familiarity with financial markets, the regulatory landscape and the investment community.
• In depth knowledge of communications disciplines, including editorial strategy, project management, relationship building, issues management, crisis communications, digital communications and global media relations.
• Strategic thinker with a strong grasp of global issues, current events and business trends and a demonstrated ability to influence key decisions on communications outreach.
• Excellent media relations skills and ability to develop and maintain close relationships with national business, energy media, as well as vertical industry trade media.
• Experience with tools and platforms for press release distribution, media monitoring, reporting, analysis and engagement.
• Sound problem-solving skills, ability to objectively analyze current practices, identify root cause problems and improvement opportunities, formulate a range of achievable options, outline relative strengths, build consensus for a preferred solution.
• Team oriented, creative, collaborative, diplomatic and flexible. Ability to develop high level relationships with senior level executives.
• Ability to effectively manage external vendors and help ensure consistency in the quality of work and highest ROI.

Work Schedule

HYBRID : Sempra employees work a combination of onsite and remote days each week, typically 3 days per week.