AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
                                          
Job Title: Marketing and Communications Intern
Department: Marketing and Strategic Services
Reports To: Manager, Marketing and Strategic Services
Prepared Date: 2-16-12
Approved By:
Approved Date:
 
Summary:  To provide maximum service to the Cooperative and member consumers by creating dynamic marketing programs, publications and communication materials. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
 
Provides support for the administration, creation and distribution of the Cooperative’s external and internal communications, including South Carolina Living, Watts on Line, and Social Media products.
 
Provides support for the Cooperative’s youth and outreach programs such as the Washington Youth Tour, Scholarships, N.I.C.E. (National Institute of Cooperative Education) and Safety Magic Show.
 
Provides support in the planning and coordination of the Cooperative’s annual member meeting.
 
Provides support for the Cooperative’s internal and external visibility and community involvement such as EXPOS, Chamber of Commerce functions, W.I.R.E., etc.
 
Provides support for the Cooperative’s external media relations.
 
Provides administrative assistance with correspondence, reports, filing, scanning, etc. as requested.
 
Performs and assists in other duties to support the Cooperative as needed.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities                                             
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
 
Competencies                                            
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
 
Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
 
Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
  
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
 
Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
 
Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
 
Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
 
Interpersonal Skills - Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
 
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
 
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
 
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
 
Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
 
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.
 
Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
 
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
 
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
 
Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
 
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
 
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.
 
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
 
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
 
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
 
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
 
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
 
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
 
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
 
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
 
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
 
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
 
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Education and/or Experience                                           
Must be currently enrolled in junior and/or senior level classes at the University of South Carolina Aiken to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a communication, marketing or public relations discipline.  Must be familiar with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Must be familiar with PhotoShop and industry standard design software such as InDesign or QuarkXpress and Social Media applications.  Must have working knowledge of graphic design and photography.  Should know basic uses of electricity and proper application. Experience is preferred but not required.
 
Language Skills                                                    
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business manuals, correspondence, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal and external customers of the Cooperative.
 
Mathematical Skills                                              
Ability to work with mathematical concepts. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations.
 
Reasoning Ability                                                 
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
 
Computer Skills                                                    
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Contact Management systems; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.  Must be familiar with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Must be familiar with PhotoShop and industry standard design software such as InDesign or QuarkXpress and Social Media applications.
 
 
Other Qualifications                                             
Must have excellent mastery of the English language and effectively communicate orally and in writing with individuals, businesses and employees.  Must have excellent administrative and organizational skills as well as knowledge of office procedures and equipment. 
 
Must have a positive, can-do attitude and be a team player.  Must be willing to learn and develop.  Must believe in the Cooperative philosophy and the Cooperative as a functional form of business.  Must believe in the Cooperative’s objectives and programs.  Must have a valid SC driver’s license and be willing to travel in the Cooperative service territory.   Must be willing to work with the public.  
 
Must be of high integrity and have good personal habits and neat appearance. Must be able to maintain positive relationships with co-workers, members, businesses and the public. 
 
Must be able to excellently express self verbally and in writing.   Must have excellent organizational skills.  Must be able to work independently and have a high degree of accuracy and neatness in all work.   Must be flexible and able to adapt to and perform in multi-task, fast-paced work environment and keep a positive, can-do attitude.  Must be able to contribute design and editorial ideas for publications and have a strong interest in writing technical stories and press releases as well as features.  Must be able to deal effectively with others.  Must be able to promote Cooperative concepts and programs.  
 
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms and is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Requires "normal" vision range. 
 
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Note:All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.
 
Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an EOE. D/F/M/V Encouraged to apply.