Communications Specialist (Media Relations)

The Communications Specialist is responsible for proactively developing and executing strategic media plans that generate earned media coverage, strengthen Alabama Power’s reputation, and support business and operational priorities. This role requires strong judgment, creativity, disciplined planning, and the ability to work effectively across departments and with media partners.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Communications Specialist anticipates media opportunities, develops compelling and newsworthy story angles, aligns internal partners early, and executes with precision to secure positive earned media coverage. They act as a trusted advisor and, when needed, a confident on‑camera spokesperson.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media Planning & Execution

• Develop strategic communications and media plans aligned to reputation and business needs
• Identify proactive earned media opportunities and story ideas
• Plan around media cycles, deadlines, and reporter availability

Story Development & Creativity

• Translate operational and technical work into compelling, relatable stories
• Design creative, visual media opportunities that attract coverage
• Identify story angles that resonate with specific outlets and audiences

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets
• Research reporters and tailor pitches to outlet interests and timing
• Pitch, coordinate, and secure earned media coverage across the state

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Identify and engage key internal partners early (e.g., Power Delivery)
• Leverage internal relationships to align messaging and logistics
• Coordinate across departments to deliver media‑ready stories

Spokesperson & Content Development

• Serve as an on‑camera spokesperson when appropriate
• Write clear, accurate, and engaging content for online and digital channels
• Ensure all messaging aligns with brand and reputation standards

Candidates that meet the below criteria are encouraged to apply:

Experience & Qualifications

Required

• 7-10 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or media relations
• Demonstrated experience securing earned media coverage, not just writing or support work
• Proven ability to develop and execute media plans, not solely react to requests
• Strong experience pitching reporters and tailoring stories to specific outlets
• Experience working across multiple departments to deliver communications outcomes
• Excellent writing skills for external audiences and digital platforms

Preferred

• Experience serving as an on‑camera spokesperson or preparing leaders/employees for media
• Experience supporting a large, complex, or operational organization (e.g., utilities, infrastructure, industrial, or regulated environments)
• Existing media relationships in Alabama or the Southeast
• Experience managing communications tied to reputation, brand, or public trust

Critical Skills & Capabilities

• Strategic thinking and proactive planning
• Creative storytelling and strong news judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship‑building with internal and external partners
• Effective time management and execution discipline
• Comfort representing the organization publicly and on camera

The successful candidate will work a hybrid schedule with four days being onsite and one remote (subject to change due to nature of work) and report to the Media Relations Manager at Alabama Power's Corporate Headquarters in downtown Birmingham, AL.

Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama. 
For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/AlabamaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/AlabamaPower), LinkedIn (Linkedin.com/company/alabama-power), and Instagram (Instagram.com/alabamapower).
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.