Communications Specialist

Job Type: Regular Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments. Job Purpose/Summary   The Communications Specialist is an experienced communications professional who helps shape and execute Plains’ communications strategy across external, digital and internal channels. As part of a small but high-performing team, the role offers breadth, visibility and ownership, with opportunities to contribute across nearly every aspect of the communications function. This role serves as a trusted communications partner, helping advance business   objectives , strengthen stakeholder   relationships   and   protect   the company’s reputation. The successful candidate is equally comfortable supporting crisis response,   managing digital channels,   identifying   new opportunities to elevate Plains’ profile ,   developing executive   messaging   and   advising internal partners .   The role is best suited to someone who enjoys   operating   as a communications generalist with an external   focus ,   and   is energized by the opportunity to work across a wide variety of business issues.   The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, exercises sound judgment,   navigates ambiguity with confidence and takes initiative to solve problems before they arise.   Job Responsibilities    While this role touches many areas, priority focus includes:   External   C ommunications   Lead crisis communications preparedness   f or incidents and crisis situations, including planning, training, message   development   and   exercises.   Support communications response during incidents and reputation-sensitive situations, coordinating closely   a cross the organization to ensure   timely ,   accurate   and effective communications.   Manage media inquiries and support strategic engagement with journalists, industry   groups   and other external stakeholders.   Partner   across the organization   to develop and/ or   align messaging and communications strategies for stakeholder, regulatory and public-facing activities.   I dentify   opportunities to strengthen Plains’ reputation through thought leadership, industry advocacy, stakeholder   engagement   and proactive communications initiatives.     Digital & Brand Communications   Maintain   accurate ,   engaging   and strategically   aligned   web site   content   that supports   business   priorities.   Manage Plains’ social media presence, developing   content   and monitoring analytics to enhance engagement and support corporate   objectives .   Uphold and refine Plains’ brand standards, ensuring consistency across communications materials and digital channels.   Partner with internal and external creative resources to develop visual,   multimedia   and digital content aligned with Plains’ brand and messaging priorities.   Evaluate emerging technologies, AI   tools   and digital trends to improve efficiency, strengthen stakeholder   engagement   and enhance communications effectiveness.   Internal   C ommunications   Collaborate   with the internal communications   lead   to   support   company-wide communications initiatives including town halls, executive messages, newsletters, intranet   content   and employee engagement campaigns, as business needs and team priorities   require .   Develop communications materials that help leaders effectively cascade information throughout the organization.   Help define and promote communications best practices ,   templates, brand   resources   and   other shared   communications assets.   What Success Looks Like   Anticipates communications   needs   and proactively develops solutions before issues arise.   Builds   trusted   relationships across the business and is sought out for communications counsel.   Delivers high-quality work quickly, accurately and with minimal oversight.   Demonstrates sound judgment in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.   Identifies   opportunities to strengthen Plains’ reputation and improve communications effectiveness.   Embraces new   technologies and continuously seeks ways to improve how work   is executed .   Experience   7 -1 2   years of progressive experience in corporate communications ,   public affairs, public relations, journalism, agency   communications   or   a related   field.   Experience supporting crisis communications ,   media relations, issues management or reputation management activities .      Knowledge & Skills   Required    Experience supporting crisis communications, issues management and media relations activities.   Excellent writing ,   editing   and verbal communication skills , with strong   attention to detail   and the   ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives.   Strong business judgment and ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.   Experience managing digital communications channels, including websites and social media platforms.   Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work under   pressure   and deliver high-quality results quickly and accurately.   Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and organizational levels.   Preferred   Experience in energy, utilities, transportation, industrial,   infrastructure   or other capital-intensive industries.   Experience sup