Director, Communications For Electric Transmission

CenterPoint Energy • Houston, TX

3d

About The Position

The Director, Communications for Electric Transmission will lead strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management efforts related to these transmission projects. This leader will develop and execute proactive county-by-county communications strategies, support crisis communications preparedness and response, and strengthen relationships with media, local communities, public officials, and other external stakeholders. This role requires a highly strategic communications professional with experience managing complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive issues in regulated industries. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and play a critical role in shaping and protecting the company’s public reputation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of communications experience required.
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry and/or publicly traded company preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications and reputational issues involving high-profile or politically sensitive matters.
• Strong media relations background with a proven record of securing impactful media placements.
• Experience identifying and analyzing industry trends and advising executive leadership on communications strategy.
• Ability to build relationships quickly with journalists, stakeholders, community leaders, and government officials.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive communications and speechwriting.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and levels of an organization.
• Knowledge of the energy industry preferred.
• Experience leading teams and developing communications professionals.
• High emotional intelligence, strong judgment, and professional diplomacy.
• Knowledge of internal, external, and digital communications platforms and tools.

Nice To Haves

• Utility, energy, infrastructure, or industrial sector experience.
• Experience supporting large-scale capital projects or transmission infrastructure initiatives.
• Familiarity with state and local government engagement.
• Experience managing communications in rapidly evolving and highly visible environments.

Responsibilities

• Partner with communications leadership and executive stakeholders to develop and execute strategic communications plans that support business and reputational objectives.
• Lead proactive and reactive earned media strategies related to transmission infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a company spokesperson during daily operations and crisis situations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and industry media outlets.
• Monitor industry, political, and media trends to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging issues.
• Develop messaging and communication materials including: Press releases, Key messages, Q&A documents, Executive talking points, Backgrounders, Scripts.
• Collaborate with public affairs, customer care, and community relations teams to support local engagement efforts along transmission corridors.
• Plan and support public meetings, open houses, and community outreach events.
• Provide strategic counsel to executives and project leaders regarding communications risks and stakeholder engagement.
• Support crisis management planning and mitigation efforts.
• Identify thought leadership opportunities that elevate the company’s visibility and reputation.
• Lead and coordinate consultants, agency partners, and cross-functional teams to deliver communications initiatives on time and within budget.
• Ensure all communications align with corporate policies, standards, and brand guidelines.
• Measure and evaluate communications effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs
• On-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director