Manager Employee Communications - Akron Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

3h

About The Position

This posting is for an open position for a Professional Services Category Specialist with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The Manager, Employee Communications is a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing FirstEnergy’s internal communications strategy to engage employees, reinforce company culture, and support organizational objectives. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Communications and partnering closely with senior leadership, this position leads a team of professionals focused on delivering clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across multiple channels.

The Manager drives initiatives that enhance employee understanding of business priorities, foster two-way communication, and strengthen alignment between leadership and employees. This role oversees companywide internal campaigns, change management communications, and engagement programs, ensuring integration with company values and strategic goals. Success requires a proactive mindset, experience in storytelling, and the ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment. The Manager also plays a key role in crisis response, leadership visibility, and continuous improvement of communication effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to simplify technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of modern communications technologies, metrics and analysis tools, including AI and enterprise collaboration tools.
• Expertise in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to effectively structure and present information and recommendations involving complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with all levels of employees and leadership.
• Desire to learn, grow and work across FirstEnergy, and deliver quality and accurate work within established deadlines.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize work in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a regulated industry, preferably electric or energy utilities is preferred
• Familiarity with regulatory processes and public utility commission communications.
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies, analytics, and emerging communication technologies

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Leadership
• Develop and implement internal communications strategies that align with corporate objectives and reinforce company culture.
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure messaging supports organizational priorities and change initiatives.
• Lead planning for major internal campaigns, including safety, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement programs.
• Content Development & Channel Management
• Oversee creation of content for intranet, internal newsletters, leadership messages, videos, and digital signage.
• Ensure consistency of tone, voice, and branding across all internal communication platforms.
• Manage editorial calendars and ensure timely delivery of communications.
• Employee Engagement & Two-Way Communication
• Drive initiatives that foster dialogue between employees and leadership, including town halls, Q&A sessions, and feedback mechanisms.
• Support HR and business units with messaging for employee programs, benefits, and policy updates.
• Change Management Communications
• Develop communication plans for organizational changes, technology implementations, and process improvements.
• Ensure employees understand the rationale, benefits, and impact of changes to minimize disruption and build trust.
• Crisis & Emergency Communications
• Lead internal communications during outages, storms, and emergency events; ensure timely, accurate, and reassuring messaging.
• Maintain and enhance protocols for rapid-response communication during critical incidents.
• Leadership Visibility & Storytelling
• Shape executive visibility through speeches, talking points, and leadership messages.
• Craft compelling narratives that connect employees to company strategy and values.
• Measurement & Continuous Improvement
• Establish KPIs for internal communications; monitor engagement and effectiveness through surveys and analytics.
• Use insights to refine strategies and improve employee experience.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Manage and mentor a team of internal communications professionals; foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Collaborate with HR, Operations, IT, and other departments to ensure alignment and integration of messaging

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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