Proj Outreach Specialist

American Electric Power•Tulsa, OK

1d•$87,633 - $151,133•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the primary field customer relations and communications resource for public interaction and outreach on AEP Transmission projects. It identifies, develops, and coordinates outreach strategies supporting the goals, policies, initiatives, and daily activities of AEP Transmission, its affiliates, and joint ventures. As a key member of the project siting team, the specialist interacts with or supports engagement with external audiences, including customers and local officials. The role meets with affected or potentially affected customers to surface and resolve issues and bring local knowledge to the siting process. The posting describes Senior (SG7), Principal (SG8), and Staff (SG9) levels. Each level requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field; minimum experience ranges from four years for Senior to six years for Principal and eight years for Staff. The position is onsite, requires periodic overnight travel and 20–30% travel time, and may require extended hours. Physical demand is sedentary, with hiking up to one mile 10% of the time. AEP states that it offers a comprehensive benefits package intended to support employee well-being, in addition to competitive compensation. The posted compensation range is $87,633.00–$151,132.50.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, business, marketing, customer service, advertising, communications, public relations, public affairs, or a related field.
For Senior (SG7): minimum four years of experience in utilities, corporate communications, customer service, marketing, media relations, journalism, or a related field.
For Principal (SG8): minimum six years of experience in utilities, corporate communications, customer service, marketing, media relations, journalism, or a related field.
For Staff (SG9): minimum eight years of experience in utilities, corporate communications, customer service, marketing, media relations, journalism, or a related field.
Excellent written and public speaking skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong business knowledge.
Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments.
Ability to hike one mile 10% of the time.
Ability to travel periodically, including some overnight travel to facilities and project sites; 20–30% of travel time is associated with the position.

Responsibilities

Work directly with affected or potentially affected landowners to obtain useful project routing information and resolve issues before and during the transmission line routing process.
Support external affairs teams in educating landowners, thought leaders, elected officials, and other members of the public about proposed transmission projects.
Assist with customer outreach strategies that improve two-way communications and line routing success.
Provide field support to transmission siting, line engineering, right of way, and project management teams to help ensure projects are executed on time.
Work with Project Management, Line and Station Engineering, Right of Way, Corporate Communications, and External Affairs to foster two-way communication between stakeholders and the project team.
Coordinate deployment of resources.