VP, Communications Nuclear Development

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Join us in building an organization where every employee is empowered to make a generational impact. As the communications leader for nuclear development, you will shape and amplify our story, crafting messaging that inspires, engages, and builds trust amongst our many stakeholders. Your work will align our team’s purpose with the opportunity to transform the industry, setting new standards for safety, innovation, operational excellence, and power generation. Through strategic communications, you will help position our organization as a leader in advanced nuclear solutions and foster a culture where every voice contributes to our shared success. The VP, Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the communications vision for AEP’s Nuclear Development organization. This role orchestrates all internal and external messaging, ensuring the organization’s mission, vision, and values are clearly and consistently conveyed to employees, customers, regulators, and the public. The VP, Communications drives brand reputation, stakeholder engagement, and narrative development across all platforms, supporting business objectives and fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and innovation.

Requirements

Extensive Experience in Strategic Communications and Public Relations: The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in leading strategic communication initiatives and managing public relations for a large organization.
Strong Understanding of the Energy Industry: The VP, Communications needs to have a deep understanding of the energy industry, including the regulatory and policy landscape, as well as the company's role in the industry.
Excellent Leadership and Management Skills: As a member of the executive team, the VP, communications will be responsible for leading and managing a team of communication professionals. The candidate should have a proven track record of effectively managing and motivating teams to achieve organizational goals.
Crisis Management Expertise: In the event of a crisis, the VP, Communications will play a critical role in managing Nuclear Development’s reputation and communicating with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have experience in handling crisis situations and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure.
Exceptional Communication Skills: The VP, Communications must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. This includes the ability to effectively communicate complex information to various stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Provide expert counsel to the President and executive team on communications strategy, messaging, and reputation management.
Develop and implement comprehensive communications plans that support business goals, regulatory requirements, and industry leadership.
Lead crisis communications, proactively preparing for and managing issues to protect and enhance the organization’s reputation.
Build an industry-leading nuclear brand that supports growth through innovation, partnership, customer service, operational excellence and regulatory integrity.
Oversee the development and delivery of all communications content, including executive messaging, media relations, digital platforms, and internal communications.
Ensure brand consistency and clarity across all channels, partnering with Operating Companies and AEP’s Communications & Marketing department.
Drive innovative branding initiatives to enhance visibility and reputation within the nuclear energy sector.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including media, government agencies, industry partners, and community leaders.
Collaborate with regulatory and government affairs teams to align communications with legislative and regulatory strategies.
Partner across the AEP system to ensure consistency and relevancy of message.
Foster employee engagement and alignment through effective internal communications, ensuring staff are informed, motivated, and connected to the organization’s purpose.
Lead digital communications efforts, including website, social media, and digital marketing, to engage customers, communities, and stakeholders.
Oversee public relations activities, managing relationships with media outlets, influencers, and external partners.
Manage the communications budget, allocating resources to maximize impact and measure effectiveness.
Guide the professional development of the Nuclear Development Communications team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.