Director of Communications - Sioux Falls, SD

JOB PURPOSE:

You are an expert communicator, creating unforgettable, unmissable communications. You’re quick to act and don’t shy away from making tough decisions.

In this role, you will oversee Midco’s internal and external messaging and outreach. Your responsibilities include creating clear, consistent, and compelling messages, and developing and implementing effective public relations strategies. You will manage media relations, building strong connections with media members, industry leaders, and community figures. Additionally, you will lead Midco’s internal communications team, including the management of the company’s intranet.

This is a hybrid position working 3 days per week in the office with the option to work from home 2 days per week.  Preferred candidate will be located in Sioux Falls.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Build a communications strategy that has long-term impact and aligns with the company’s growth initiatives.
  • Measure the company’s reputation both inside the organization (culture) and outside (image) and check for any gaps between how the organization wants to be perceived and how it is perceived.
  • Communicate strategies to the organization to keep all workgroups informed and aligned.
• Lead Public & Media Relations to promote the company’s growth, products and services to grow the company’s bottom line.
  • Identify PR opportunities and create expertly crafted external communications including news releases, talking points, FAQs and positioning statements.
  • Identify and support the most appropriate resource in public situations and media opportunities.
  • Facilitate the engagement of key team members in relevant community events, providing needed support with speeches, remarks and presentations.
  • Establish and foster positive relationships with key media and community influencers.
  • Contribute to key company-wide launches, including product and service launches and acquisitions.
• Support VP of Corporate Communications in mitigating brand and business issues and managing crises.
  • Contribute to Crisis Response Team.
  • Use crisis as an opportunity to share our purpose and amplify our story.
  • Contribute to programming/retransmission strategic team.
• Lead, develop and manage Internal Communications Manager and Intranet Manager.
  • Provide timely feedback in one-on-one meetings and continuous conversations based on communicated expectations and KPIs. Correct performance issues and address disciplinary actions in a timely fashion.
  • Set goals designed to motivate team members to reach department expectations that align with the company’s strategic plan.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage projects while juggling competing priorities with exceptional organization.
• Gather measurable data and report communication effectiveness. Incorporate audience insights.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to understand their needs and involve them in planning and problem-solving. Build credibility as an expert and key point of contact.
• Examine issues from multiple angles, challenge your own assumptions and investigate thoroughly.
• Must be willing and able to travel to various company events and promotional activities.
• Follow and serve as a role model in displaying Midco’s Core Values and Leadership.
• Adhere to Midco privacy guidelines to ensure each customer’s privacy.
• Maintain regular attendance to be available for your team and as required by your position.
• Be available to provide assistance to team members outside of normal business hours as necessary.

FURTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Effectively communicate with other departments to handle escalating issues in a timely manner.
• Support the mission, vision and values of Midco.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external customers to ensure exceptional service.
• Demonstrate courage by tackling tough issues while acknowledging own limitations without compromising integrity.
• Remove obstacles for team members. Encourage creative solutions.
• Apply personal ethics, honesty, initiative, flexibility, responsibility and confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
• Communicate clear expectations that set a high bar while holding team members accountable to reach these goals.
• Demonstrate business acumen by using data to drive decisions and actions.
• Model flexibility, resiliency and change management skills by staying self-aware, constantly learning, and
• finding ways to cut through ambiguous problems.  
• Identify root causes of problems and implement solutions while keeping a holistic and long-term perspective in mind.
• Actively follow Midco policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• 10 years of communications experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• Leadership experience required.
• Exceptional active writing and editing skills required.
• Strong computer and software knowledge, including MS Office required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL DEMANDS & MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or carry loads of up to 30 lbs.
• Be able to convey messages clearly and effectively, including both written and verbal communication.
• Be capable of making informed decisions swiftly, especially in high-pressure situations, is essential.
• Possess the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as being empathetic to others. Hold and maintain the ability to handle stress effectively to stay calm and productive.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Employees may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and other than normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings and weekends as business demands.

ABOUT MIDCO: 

Midco:  

• Is the leading provider of reliable, high-speed internet via fiber and fixed wireless technology, serving 460,000 homes and businesses in 400 communities across the Midwest.  

• Provides exceptional customer experience and a superior network, while being a force for good in the communities we serve.

• Delivers TV services including Midco Sports (a regional sports network), phone, data center and advertising services, plus wholesale networking solutions.  

Ready to work at Midco? We thought so. Here are a few more reasons why Midco is one of the best places to work:  

• Free Midco internet & TV 
• Great opportunities to get involved in volunteerism  
• Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs 
• And many more 

Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today.  

Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters.