Sr Manager, Public Relations

AES US•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Public Relations for AES Indiana is responsible for leading the company’s external reputation and public-facing communications in one of AES’s most visible and complex utility markets. This role serves as a senior strategic advisor to AES Indiana leadership and plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening AES Indiana’s reputation with key audiences, including media, community leaders, regulators, customers, and employees. This position requires deep expertise in reputation management, crisis communications, and long-range strategic communications planning, as well as strong judgment in high-pressure situations. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of leading communications during moments of intense scrutiny, aligning executive leadership around clear narratives, and anticipating reputational risk in a regulated, politically sensitive environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required; advanced degree a plus.
Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications, or corporate affairs, with demonstrated leadership in complex or regulated environments.
Proven experience leading reputation management and crisis communications efforts, including high-profile or high-intensity situations.
Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to translate complex business and regulatory issues into clear, compelling narratives.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience writing for executive leadership and external audiences.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and composure under pressure.
Experience in utilities, energy, infrastructure, government, or similarly regulated industries strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead AES Indiana’s public relations strategy, ensuring consistent, transparent, and credible messaging that builds trust and protects the company’s reputation across all external audiences.
Serve as the primary senior lead for reputation management initiatives, identifying emerging issues, assessing risk, and recommending proactive mitigation strategies.
Act as a trusted advisor to the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Impact and AES Indiana executive leadership on reputational risk, public positioning, and narrative development.
Lead communications strategy and execution during crises, including customer impact events, safety incidents, severe weather, regulatory scrutiny, or reputational threats.
Develop, maintain, and regularly test crisis communications plans, protocols, and scenarios in collaboration with internal partners.
Ensure rapid, coordinated response across communications channels during crisis events, with a focus on accuracy, empathy, and clarity for customers and stakeholders.
Oversee AES Indiana’s media relations strategy, including proactive pitch development, reactive media response, spokesperson preparation, and message discipline.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, and industry media, ensuring AES Indiana is viewed as a credible and trusted source.
Lead the development of executive messaging, talking points, statements, and op-eds in support of business priorities, regulatory activities, and community engagement.
Develop integrated public relations and communications plans aligned to AES Indiana’s business priorities, regulatory environment, and community impact goals.
Partner cross-functionally with Customer Communications, Stakeholder Relations, Government Affairs, Regulatory, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure message alignment and risk awareness.
Anticipate communications challenges related to major initiatives—including grid modernization, large customer growth, rate-related issues, and energy transition milestones—and ensure readiness ahead of key moments.