External Communications Specialist

**Company Overview**

CES is a family-owned electrical wholesaler with the benefits of a worldwide service network and the personal service of a neighbourhood store. Our “customer service first” core value has allowed us to grow continually for over 65 years while keeping our founding principle of empowering people to make local business decisions. CES now employs more than 7,400 people at over 1,000 branches world-wide of which there are over 700 branches across North America. Our plan is to add 30-35 branches a year, while staying true to our company values.

**Summary**

The Communications team at CES is a highly collaborative group that is passionate about advising, engaging, and inspiring through strategic messaging and storytelling. The team works with company stakeholders to develop and execute external communications strategies, deliver projects, and build and maintain important relationships.

**Essential Job Functions**
**External Communications Support (Canada) 50%**
- Provide communications support in Canada by creating and sharing clear, engaging, and culture-appropriate content on branch and company activities across relevant external channels.
- Support local events as needed, including attending, capturing photos and videos, and coordinating with branch teams on any support they need.
- Work with speed, discretion, creativity, and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.

**Public Relations (North America) - 50%**
- Identify and develop newsworthy stories that highlight City Electric Supply in communities across the U.S. and Canada.
- Help create and execute local PR plans to support new branch openings, anniversaries, community projects, events, and more across North America, with the U.S. representing approximately 50% of the business.
- Work closely with the Marketing Communications Manager to identify and implement both organic and paid PR opportunities tailored to the needs of CES branches.
- Draft and pitch compelling press releases to media outlets through Cision software, and track and share media mentions.
- Support public-facing initiatives, including events and social media campaigns, to strengthen brand visibility and engagement.
- Assist with award submissions that highlight company achievements and recognize individual employees across the network.
- Build monthly, quarterly, and annual PR reports to provide insights and highlight successes.
- Provide media training for branch teams to prepare them for interviews and other media opportunities, ensuring consistent and professional representation of CES.
- Schedule and conduct interviews with branch teams to identify timely and relevant public relations opportunities.

**Education/Experience**
- One to two years’ previous experience preferred
- College degree or equivalent education preferred
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

**Competencies**
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills
- Proven ability to identify and develop newsworthy stories
- Comfortable engaging with media professionals, including making follow-up calls and coordinating interviews with reporters
- Ability to quickly learn and effectively use PR tools such as Cision
- Skilled storyteller with a solid understanding of AP Stylebook guidelines
- Superior time management skills
- High level of attention to detail
- Self-motivated with a positive and flexible attitude
- Ability to remain composed under pressure
- A team-player who can establish positive relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with individuals across the organization and at all levels
- Ability to work overtime as necessary (crisis and time sensitive related communications)

**Supervisory Responsibility**

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

**Work Environment**

This job operates in a professional office environment.

**Other Duties**

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- Communication skills: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person