Public Relations Specialist

About the Role:
Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking a dynamic and strategic Public Relations Specialist to join our Public Affairs Department. In this role, you’ll help shape the voice of our organization, build trust with our community, and ensure clear, consistent communication with customers, stakeholders, and employees. If you're passionate about public service and storytelling, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies to enhance public image and brand awareness
• Support message development, uphold brand standards, and ensure consistent information dissemination
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the media to proactively share our story
• Create and edit content for various channels, including press releases, social media, and internal communications
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
• Coordinate interviews, press conferences, and public appearances for spokespeople
• Lead crisis communication efforts with timely, accurate, and transparent messaging
• Participate in a 24/7 rotational standby team to respond to utility emergencies
• Collaborate with social media and internal communications leads on the team to drive engagement
• Stay informed on PR best practices, tools, and technologies to enhance outreach

Who You Are:

• You have 3+ years of experience in public relations, public affairs, or strategic communications
• You’re skilled in using modern communication platforms and technologies
• You possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• You excel at project management, collaboration, and continuous learning
• You thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and are comfortable with emergency response communications

Who We Are...
Colorado Springs Utilities, a four-service utility provider with a 100-year reputation of integrity, gives you an experience unmatched by other utility companies. We continually strive to stay ahead of the business curve, with a priority to update and incorporate state-of-the-art technology, and provide a work culture dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and synergy. We were recently awarded the Diamond Designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA), recognizing our utility for having some of the highest ratings in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvements among the more than 2,000 public utilities in the nation. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the perfect blend of mountain and city living. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you will enjoy nature at its finest.

Our Commitment to Our Employees…  
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We do not just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

• Time Off – Because everybody needs time off to recharge
  • Vacation – New employees accrue 13 days of paid time off to start, while our more tenured employees accrue 24 days per year
  • Personal Leave –3 days per year of personal leave
  • Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
  • Sick Leave – Accrue 12 days of sick leave annually for those days when you or a family member is feeling under the weather
  • Vacation Buy – Purchase up to 40 hours of additional vacation time
• Pension Plan – Looking forward to a comfortable lifestyle once you’re done working? The Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) provides you with retirement benefits and peace of mind when you retire 
• Medical – Select from three comprehensive medical plans, starting at $10.00 a month.  Employees also enjoy access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Wellness Program – Voluntary wellness program that allows you and your spouse to each earn up to $500 to use towards healthcare expenses, $100 in Visa gift cards, and up to $400 in gym membership reimbursements
• Dental – Select from two dental plans, with in-network PPO preventive care covered at 100% and access to orthodontia coverage
• Vision – A Voluntary plan that covers full vision care services and discounts on LASIK eye surgery
• Retirement Saving Programs – Supplement your pension plan with voluntary retirement programs such as the PERAPlus 401(k) and MissionSquare’s Roth IRA and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage – Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance available for purchase
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Makes the going a little easier by aiding with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more
• Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC) – Whether it's due to an accident or a serious illness, LTC insurance is available for purchase to help you and your loved ones
• Life Insurance – Company-paid life insurance and supplemental coverage available
• Tuition Reimbursement – Employees are eligible to receive up to $5,250 annually for Tuition Reimbursement
• Qualifying Public Service Employer – Payments made towards student loans may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program