Director Communications and Engagement

American Electric Power•Gahanna, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Drive thought leadership, community and employee engagement, and implementation of external and internal communication strategies through public relations outreach, anticipating stakeholder issues, identifying and delivering regulatory support needs, leading proactive media relations, leading branding/image management, directing customer messages and leading internal communication and culture messaging. Oversee communication activities for internal and external audiences for the operating company to which assigned, including media relations, social media, employee communications, public policy advocacy, crisis communications, philanthropic activities and advertising, ensuring clear, consistent messaging on complex issues for all stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism or related discipline.
Minimum 7 years in a relevant field with at least 3 years of leadership experience in a major corporation, government or news media environment.
Travel requirements are expected 10-25% of the time
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master degree in communication or business administration desired.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct communication activities including media relations, social media, employee communications, public policy advocacy, crisis communications, philanthropic activities and advertising.
Provide communications and community engagement counsel to the operating company President and other operating company leadership on general public relations matters.
Develop and recommend communications, public relations and advertising objectives to meet the strategic direction of the Company.
Direct the preparation of communication materials for dissemination to all stakeholders (internal & external) to ensure clear, consistent messaging.
Support policies and achievement of goals, enhance communications and facilitate coordination of communications activities within the operating company, with other business units and with other internal and external audiences to support safety, operations, customer service, regulatory and other business unit goals.
Plan and implement effective and innovative communications tools and processes for both internal and external audiences.
Develop and implement communications plans to deal with crisis situations.
Mobilize support for Company programs and positions when necessary and provide local support for the AEP political action committee (PAC).
Ensure support of the AEP identity and branding in the community by maintaining the integrity, consistency and image of the AEP brand, as well as the branding of its subsidiary companies, through conformance with formally developed corporate identity standards.
Coordinate with corporate staff and other business units to keep all parties apprised of significant developments and to ensure consistent communications throughout the enterprise.