Principal Communications Leader

UGI Utilities, Inc. is a natural gas and electric utility company committed to delivering reliable, safe and affordable energy to our 700,000 customers in 45 counties in Pennsylvania and 1 county in Maryland. We pride ourselves on being a responsive, engaging energy company.  The foundation of our success lies in the strength of our 1,700 plus employees who strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and the communities we serve every day.

We offer comprehensive benefits, some of which are:

• medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance
• disability plans
• 401(k) matched savings plan
• paid vacation
• company stock purchase program
• wellness programs
• tuition reimbursement
• paid parental leave
• paid volunteer time
• adoption assistance

Job Summary

This position is responsible for leading external communications activities for the entire UGI Utilities business unit.  Partnering with key stakeholders, this position leverages in-depth business knowledge to improve UGI brand perception, support business priorities, and respond to emergent situations. The Principal Communications Leader conceptualizes, plans, and conducts hundreds of media touchpoints annually, promoting company values and mission, thereby enhancing business results.  Acting as the expert, this position includes offering advice and direction to all UGI teams.  Additionally, this position acts as the primary public information office for UGI.

Essential Functions

Media Response/Public Relations (45%): Build relationships with reporters associated with local, regional and national media outlets.  Inform reporters about natural gas and electric utility operations performed by UGI.  Conduct media tours, briefings, and editorial board to promote greater understanding of the Company.  Pitch stories to media proactively that present UGI in a positive light and focus on activities that support the Company Vision statements.   Act as the primary first contact for most media inquiries.  Conceptualize, plan and conduct press releases including, but not limited to, infrastructure projects, regulatory filings and activities, as well as safety(811, Winter Safety, etc).  Lead creative development in collaboration with agencies as well as identify the most effective media placement for campaigns.

Incident Response (20%): Service as the public information officer (PIO) when incidents occur.  Coordinate with national and regional incident response agencies utilizing the ICS structure for response.  Act as the UGI spokesperson in cases of emergency, as well as coordinate media training for regional Sales staff.

Publications/Corporate Image Enhancement(20%): Coordinate and provide content and editorial advice for frequent publications including Firstline(legislative), Earthline(sustainability), as well as execute the Employee Annual Report and Annual Community Relations Reports.  Provide counsel and advice to Departments on items and situations for internal and external items, such as signage.  Maintain a Company Store of promotional items.

Event Coordination (15%): Work with other UGI departments to plan and execute events which may include ribbon cuttings, informative sessions, or to highlight UGI projects. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional writing and verbal communications skills.

Proven ability to work in collaboration with senior leadership, media outlets, and/or government entities.

Ability to make decisions independently. 

Strong business acumen.   Availability 24/7 for emergency situation response.

Knowledge of modern communications tactics, procedures and concepts.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing preferred. 

6+ years of experience in Marketing or Communications discipline preferably in Public Relations or Media.

UGI Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  As such, the Company abides by the requirements of the Executive Order 11246, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).  The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected class in its practices.

Successful applicants shall be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment, and if hired, shall be subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with UGI policies. As a federal contractor that engages in safety-sensitive work, UGI cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician. Similarly, applicants for such positions who are actively using medical marijuana may be denied hire on that basis.