The Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist is the standard bearer for NESL’s organizational goals and values. The Communications Specialist & Executive Assistant is responsible for day-to-day support of the CEO while also leading and implementing NESL’s overall communications strategy.

This role plays a vital role in shaping the NESL’s reputation, enhancing its brand image, and ensuring effective communication, both internally and externally. In addition to executing the overall communication strategy, the position will drive special projects at the direction of the CEO and Human Resources. Key focus areas will include enhancing the coworker experience, increasing NESL’s presence in the communities in which we serve, and improving organizational alignment across our geographic footprint, lines of business, and senior leadership.

This role demands a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a collaborator who can navigate the evolving landscape of communications to drive the company's success. As the standard bearer for the organization, the position requires an individual whose professionalism and confidentiality are beyond reproach.

The work schedule and intensity will vary due to the seasonality of our business and portfolio of projects. This is primarily an in-office position with periodically required local and overnight travel.

Core Responsibilities

• Prompt and thorough support of CEO. This includes coordinating travel and reservations, general administrative functions, off hours support, and serving as the primary point of access for the CEO.
• Ensure successful completion of projects. This includes developing project plans and leading projects to keep stakeholders informed regarding potential challenges with critical path deliverables. Successful completion is defined as on time, in spec, and on budget.
• Develop high-quality and engaging content for various communication channels, including press releases, articles, blog posts, social media updates, and internal newsletters.
• Manage NESL’s online presence, including website content, social media platforms, and online campaigns. Monitor trends and analytics to optimize digital marketing efforts and engaging in social media dialogue.
• Identify opportunities for growth and improvement related to NESL’s Coworker experience. Ensure that the NESL’s vision, mission, and values are well-defined and communicated throughout the organization.
• Develop and execute internal communication strategies to keep coworkers informed, engaged, and aligned with the company's goals. This includes regular updates, memos, and coworker newsletters.
• Plan and organize events and activities to enhance NESL’s visibility and reputation.
• Brand Management: Uphold and enhance the NESL’s brand image through consistent messaging, visual identity, and tone of communication.
• Collaborate with various internal departments, stakeholders, and community members to foster positive relationships and maintain effective communication.
• Market Research: Conduct market research and gather insights to refine communication strategies, understand audience preferences, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Measurement and Reporting: Track the effectiveness of communication campaigns, gather data on key performance indicators, and prepare reports to assess the impact of communication efforts.

• Ensure that senior leadership is aligned and communicates consistently with middle management and front-line coworkers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in communications, public relations, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience with large event planning, planning travel and organizing meetings.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using various communication tools and platforms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital marketing strategies and social media management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Crisis management and media relations experience is a plus.
• Creative thinking and a keen eye for detail.
• Familiarity with industry trends and emerging communication technologies.
• High level of personal initiative to achieve objectives. Self-starter who needs little to zero supervision.
• Demonstrated project management skills with knowledge of project planning methods.

• Excellent technology aptitude and experience with database systems and software as well as Microsoft Office.

Personal Characteristics and Competencies

• Entrepreneurial spirit combined with prudence. (i.e., consideration of long-term risks and opportunities). Highly developed organizational influence and negotiation skills.
• A self-confident, proactive professional who can successfully lead in a fast-changing business environment.
• Tough minded with the courage of convictions to drive critical strategies and programs through to completion.
• A change agent willing to take measured risk and who is committed to deliver on commitments to the organization.
• Personal and professional alignment to NESL’s Cultural Goals:
  • Focus & Integrity to Do What’s Right
  • Know the Numbers / Know the Business
  • Embrace Change
  • Intentionally Collaborative