VP, Corporate Affairs and Marketing

Summit Utilities Inc•Little Rock, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This executive oversees government affairs, marketing, public relations, community engagement, charitable giving, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, and crisis communications in a coordinated, strategic way. The role shapes and drives integrated external affairs, communications, and brand strategies aligned with corporate objectives, operational priorities, customer commitments, and long-term growth initiatives. The Vice President works cross-functionally across regulated utility operations and renewable energy subsidiaries to ensure consistent messaging and effective stakeholder engagement. This leader brings strong strategic judgment and executive presence, navigates complex stakeholder and political environments, builds trusted relationships with key external and internal stakeholders, and proactively manages reputational risk in an evolving energy and policy landscape.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Political Science, Business, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate affairs, public relations, marketing, government affairs, communications, or related leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-level communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or marketing strategies.
Utility, energy, infrastructure, regulated industry, or multi-state operational experience strongly preferred.
Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and reputational issues preferred.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing external consultants and agencies preferred.
Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and executive communication skills.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political, regulatory, and stakeholder environments.
Extensive experience working with media, government officials, community leaders, and external partners.
Proven ability to lead integrated communications and marketing strategies across multiple audiences and geographies.
Strong understanding of customer engagement, brand strategy, and reputation management.
Ability to build trusted relationships internally and externally.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, including strong proficiency in PowerPoint.
Strong judgment, discretion, and crisis management capabilities.
Experience managing consultants, agencies, budgets, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategies for Summit and Peaks.
Develop and direct government affairs and legislative engagement across all operating territories.
Oversee and integrate external affairs functions (government affairs, media and public relations, community engagement, corporate and crisis communications, stakeholder outreach, charitable giving/sponsorships).
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on reputational, political, regulatory, and stakeholder matters.
Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, regulators, community leaders, trade associations, business organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Lead enterprise reputation management, strengthening customer trust, community relationships, and stakeholder confidence.
Develop proactive engagement strategies that support business priorities, infrastructure projects, and regulatory initiatives.
Lead crisis communications planning and response, including strategic messaging, media coordination, and stakeholder communications.
Develop and oversee integrated, enterprise-wide marketing and brand strategies that support growth, customer engagement, and corporate reputation.
Lead marketing, advertising, and brand management teams across operating companies and subsidiaries.
Strengthen brand awareness and customer trust across diverse service territories and segments.
Oversee customer-facing campaigns and brand standards to ensure consistency with company values and strategic priorities.
Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, operational priorities, customer communications, and public messaging.
Manage brand positioning and messaging across digital, print, media, community, and corporate channels.
Oversee internal and external communications strategies that enhance employee engagement and stakeholder trust.
Oversee community engagement strategy and charitable giving programs across all service territories.
Develop and maintain partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, business groups, and community organizations aligned with company priorities and values.
Lead corporate sponsorships, philanthropic initiatives, and employee/community engagement efforts.
Ensure community investments support long-term relationship building and strengthen the company’s regional reputation.
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing corporate affairs and marketing team.
Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across departments and subsidiaries.
Partner with operations, regulatory, customer experience, legal, safety, business development, and executive leadership on coordinated enterprise initiatives.
Manage departmental budgets, strategic plans, and performance metrics.
Establish processes, governance, and communication protocols for effective coordination of corporate affairs and marketing activities.
Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, responsiveness, and strategic thinking.