Director of Communications

spp • Little Rock, AR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) ensuring reliable, affordable electricity for millions across the central United States is seeking an experienced, visionary Director of Communications to lead our enterprise-wide communications strategy and elevate our voice across the energy landscape. As the Director of Communications, you will shape how SPP communicates its mission, values, and commitments to reliability, transparency, and innovation. This role is both strategic and hands-on, guiding internal and external communications, crisis messaging, brand management, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll collaborate with executives and teams across Operations, Engineering, Government Affairs, Regulatory Policy, Human Resources, and more to ensure consistent, impactful communication that builds public trust and strengthens SPP’s presence as a regional transmission organization (RTO). As our Director of Communications, your leadership will shape how stakeholders see and understand the value of our work, helping to build a resilient, modern, and forward-thinking electric grid for generations to

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive communications experience, including at least 5 in a management or leadership role.
• Proven experience with media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder messaging in highly regulated sectors.
• Experience in digital communication tools, data analytics and PR/marketing technologies
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of energy markets, grid planning, or RTO environments.
• Experience working with C-suite executives and Boards of Directors.
• Must be available to respond to urgent communications needs during emergency grid events, including outside of business hours.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or Energy-related discipline.
• Familiarity with Southwest Power Pool, FERC, NERC, or related regulatory and market structures.
• Graphic design, video production, or multimedia content development experience.
• Prior experience implementing strategic communication plans tied to corporate scorecards or strategy frameworks

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a proactive, company-wide communications strategy that supports SPP’s mission and regulatory responsibilities.
• Ensure messaging aligns with SPP’s strategic priorities around affordability, reliability, performance, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team, identifying communications opportunities and proactively flagging risks.
• Lead communications planning for major corporate initiatives, announcements, and brand evolution efforts.
• Oversee media relations, public relations, press releases, interviews, and speechwriting for executives.
• Build and maintain relationships with energy reporters, regional media, and trade press to expand SPP’s visibility.
• Develop issue briefs and messaging for regulatory filings, Board of Directors meetings, and public consultations.
• Serve as SPP’s spokesperson or coordinate spokesperson responsibilities as needed.
• Lead strategic campaigns that highlight SPP’s value to regulators, legislators, and the public.
• Develop public education initiatives focused on transmission planning, grid modernization, renewable integration, and affordability/reliability considerations.
• Lead companywide communication strategies that enhance culture, employee engagement, and organizational change.
• Partner with HR and shared services to support company announcements, town halls, and employee-recognition campaigns.
• Oversee internal communication platforms including intranet content, newsletters, and message boards, ensuring clarity and alignment.
• Lead crisis communications during grid emergencies or public scrutiny.
• Maintain, test, and improve crisis communication plans across Operations, Compliance, and IT.
• Ensure timely, multi-channel messaging during high-risk grid conditions or events.
• Direct SPP’s brand voice, visual identity, and storytelling across all channels.
• Oversee creative teams developing graphics, videos, written content, and digital materials.
• Modernize SPP’s brand to strengthen engagement with regulators, legislators, media, and external stakeholders.
• Use market research and audience insights to steer communication strategies.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of communications professionals and designers.
• Promote a mission-driven, collaborative, transparent team culture.
• Build strong relationships with external agencies, videographers, creative vendors, and PR consultants.

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees