Essential Duties and Responsibilities + Leads strategic positioning to advance regional and corporate business objectives and brand goals, advising leadership on objectives, tactics and timing + Researches, writes coordinates and executes internal and external communication plans and message development and multi-media materials + Writes and publishes a monthly area newsletter to drive WM's values-driven culture and employee engagement + Writes letters, articles and talking points for external and internal audiences + Actively engages internally to understand the business and track risks and opportunities + Manages proactive media work and incoming media inquiries + Serves as the media point person on the area critical incident response team + Takes a lead role in the design and quality assurance for area communication tools and systems (area message matrix, official templates for PowerPoint and business letters, approved communications plans, photo and video libraries, etc.) + Takes a lead role in quality assurance for leadership communications as needed, providing attention to detail and expert proofing skills + Operates with clarity and consistency in managing multiple queries, content streams and projects simultaneously + May plan and assist with company events + May be responsible for creating and supporting external and internal communications regarding service continuity connected to weather or crisis management III. This work involves the development of communications plans, talking points and multi-media materials, and the activation of tactics for communicating with stakeholders including media, elected officials, local government customers, residential customers, commercial customers, regulators, community organizations, employees.