Sr. Manager, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region

AES•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region leads locally tailored engagement for energy infrastructure and multi-technology campus development across the Central Region, with a primary focus on Texas. The role supports projects from prospecting through development, permitting, construction and execution, with near-term emphasis on projects in active execution and continuity through transition to Operations. Depending on project scope, campuses may integrate generation, storage, data centers or other large-load infrastructure; configurations are project-specific. As a key AES representative and local spokesperson, this position serves as a bridge with local communities and works to strengthen the company's presence and reputation. It is a people-leadership role, responsible for developing a regional team of stakeholder engagement professionals and providing expert community-relations guidance. Engagement includes local communities, customers, unions, nonprofits, local governments, EPC partners, industry associations, economic development organizations and local news organizations. The role designs and executes engagement strategies across the project lifecycle; supports stakeholder diligence, inclusive participation, local policy awareness, risk management, communications and events; and builds partnerships that serve community priorities. It leads the design and implementation of community benefit agreements and other benefit structures in accordance with the AES Social Impact Program and compliance requirements, ensuring commitments are accountable and are not exchanged for public support or approvals. The position also supports relevant economic development and tax-incentive work, manages engagement resources, and coordinates with internal teams, customers, partners, consultants and agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field such as community engagement, advocacy, public relations, public affairs, environmental studies, communications or local government.
Minimum of 9 years of related work experience in stakeholder engagement or a similar field.
Previous people-management experience, including coaching, developing and leading teams.
Extensive experience with advocacy and engaging diverse, thriving communities of all sizes.
Familiarity with applicable government and regulatory requirements, current issues and community dynamics.
Advanced people leadership skills, including empowering, inspiring, coaching and developing teams, fostering inclusion and leading transformational change.
Advanced skills in advocacy, political literacy, economic development and incentives, complex infrastructure development, community benefit agreements and social impact, cross-functional and partner collaboration, inclusive community engagement, analysis and accountability, public speaking, communications, and digital tools.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration or a related field.
Accredited in Public Relations (APR).
Certified Public Relations (CPR) Accreditation.
Project Management Professional (PMP).
Strategic Communication Certificate Program accreditation from PRSA.
Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying from the Public Affairs Council.
Certificate in Public Affairs Management from the Public Affairs Council.
Certificate in PAC & Grassroots Management from the Public Affairs Council.
Training in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Community Engagement Fundamentals training.
Public Relations and Communications training.
Leadership Development training.
Negotiation training.
Advocacy and Coalition Building training.
Digital Engagement training.
AI tools training.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach and develop stakeholder engagement professionals; set priorities and expectations, provide feedback and development opportunities, and foster an inclusive, high-performing team.
Develop and execute local engagement plans for Central Region energy projects and campuses across prospecting, diligence, planning, development, permitting, construction and execution, particularly in Texas.
Support stakeholder and community diligence for potential project acquisitions.
Advise project teams on community needs, stakeholder relationships, risks and engagement aligned to project milestones and responsible development.
Build cross-functional alignment with Development, Permitting, Execution, Finance, Legal, Government Relations, Operations, Communications and other internal teams.
Coordinate with customers and development partners on engagement strategies, siting considerations and stakeholder expectations.
Translate community insight into feasible responses and clear engagement responsibilities across projects and technologies.
Manage engagement spending and resources within approved processes and oversee consultants or agencies when requested.
Mobilize coalitions of individuals and organizations to demonstrate support for AES energy projects.
Maintain understanding of Texas and relevant state, municipal and local political landscapes in coordination with Government Relations; build nonpartisan relationships with officials, regulators, business groups and community institutions.
Monitor local proceedings and support transparent public participation and appropriate project advocacy.
Engage broad and diverse audiences through respectful, culturally competent consultation, including underrepresented communities; conduct Indigenous engagement where applicable in accordance with the AES Voluntary Tribal Engagement Policy.
Maintain responsive inquiry and notification channels; document feedback, provide timely responses, resolve or escalate concerns, and communicate outcomes through transitions into execution.
Cultivate local partnerships through the AES Social Impact Program.
Design, negotiate, structure and implement community benefit agreements and other benefit structures aligned with community priorities, responsible development, program requirements and compliance.
Track commitments and outcomes and report progress in accordance with internal and external requirements.
Coordinate outreach and volunteer activities when relevant and aligned with company and community priorities.
Maintain stakeholder lists, interaction records, feedback, commitments and engagement reporting using designated CRM tools.
Analyze local sentiment, social and traditional media, and emerging political or community issues to identify risks and opportunities.
Lead stakeholder risk management and communications across the project lifecycle, including issue escalation and executive-facing risk reporting.
Provide practical guidance to project teams and maintain transparent, accountable engagement across assigned projects.
Apply understanding of economic development and tax incentive structures relevant to Texas and assigned state energy and large infrastructure development.
Support negotiation and approval of relevant economic and tax incentives with internal teams, consultants and partners.
Partner with Communications to develop locally tailored project information, advocacy materials, talking points, presentations and public displays across channels.
Coordinate construction messaging and local media opportunities, explain relevant issues, and support issue and crisis communications with responsible teams.
Plan and deliver public meetings, community events, virtual engagement and site visits, including preparation, presentations and follow-up.
Represent AES professionally in business, government and community settings, advancing informed dialogue and practical collaboration.
Perform other duties as assigned; demonstrate AES values of Safety First, Highest Standards and All Together; comply with all policies and standards.