Digital Communications Lead

Job Summary

The Digital Communications Lead reports to the Director, Corporate Communications and is responsible for developing and executing digital communication strategies that support Aquarion's business objectives, strengthen its brand, and engage key audiences. This role leads the Authority's day-to-day digital communications efforts, including social media, website content, digital storytelling, video production, audience engagement, and analytics.

Approximately 70% of the role is dedicated to digital communications and social media management, with the remaining 30% focused on supporting broader corporate communications initiatives across print, broadcast, and digital channels. The position works closely with internal stakeholders to create compelling content, support reputation management efforts, and communicate effectively with customers, employees, media, community partners, and elected and appointed officials.

Principal Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of integrated digital communication and social media strategies that engage internal and external audiences and support Aquarion's strategic objectives.
• Manage and oversee the Authority's day-to-day digital and social media presence, including audience engagement, community management, and responses to inquiries or comments as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and optimize paid social media campaigns to increase audience reach, engagement, and awareness.
• Monitor and analyze social media, website, and digital performance metrics, using data and audience insights to inform content strategy and communications planning.
• Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts to identify, develop, and publish compelling content across digital channels.
• Coordinate and prioritize digital content assignments and projects across the Corporate Communications team.
• Lead the planning, development, and execution of digital content for customer newsletters, website enhancements, water quality reports, annual reports, and other corporate communications materials.
• Serve as the communications lead for the Authority's external website and internal intranet, partnering with IT to ensure content is accurate, relevant, user-friendly, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support communications planning and promotional efforts for special events, community initiatives, sponsorships, volunteer programs, and other public-facing activities.
• Support corporate reputation management efforts and assist with issue management, crisis communications planning, and emergency communications activities.
• Identify emerging communications risks, trends, and opportunities and recommend strategies to proactively address them.
• Maintain and manage the department's digital asset library, including photography, videography, graphics, and design resources.
• Serve as the Authority's digital storyteller and content creator, developing engaging multimedia content that highlights Aquarion's people, services, community impact, and strategic priorities.
• Produce and manage video projects from concept through post-production, including content for internal communications, leadership messaging, social media, and organizational events.
• Support preparation for the Authority's All Employee Meeting and other leadership communications, including video development and presentation support.
• Stay current on digital communications trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance the Authority's communications effectiveness.
• Participate in committees as assigned.

Preferred Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in digital communications, social media management, video production, and corporate communications required.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing digital communication and social media strategies, including content planning, audience engagement, and performance measurement.
• Experience creating visual content, including photography and video, for internal and external digital communication channels.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Advanced video production and post-production experience required.
• Professional photography and lighting experience required.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, digital marketing best practices, website content management, and analytics.
• Inquisitive, creative, and strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and develop communications strategies with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional visual communication skills, with a strong eye for design, branding, and content presentation.
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support meetings, events, emergency communications, and organizational priorities.
• Experience supporting executive communications, reputation management, crisis communications, or public affairs initiatives preferred.
• Experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud and digital content creation tools required.

Technical Proficiencies & Digital Tools

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
• Sprout Social
• Google Analytics
• Meta Business Suite
• LinkedIn Campaign Manager
• Constant Contact
• LexisNexis Newsdesk
• Microsoft 365
• SharePoint
• Everbridge
• SAP
• Google Workspace and related applications
• Content Management Systems (CMS) and website content publishing platforms
• Digital analytics, social media monitoring, and reporting tools
• Video production, photography, lighting, and multimedia editing tools

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or another related field required.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record required.

Salary

• This position is classified as exempt, with an anticipated salary range of $93,920 to $117,400. Starting compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and skills, while also considering internal equity and market factors.
• This position is 100% in-person, reporting out of our Bridgeport office.
• This position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Due to the nature of communications, public affairs, and community engagement activities, flexibility is required. The successful candidate is expected to periodically work beyond normal business hours, including evenings, early mornings, and occasional weekends, to support meetings, events, emergency communications, media activities, and other organizational priorities.