Director Communications and Engagement

American Electric Power; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base Salary

Annual Bonus

Long Term Incentive

401K

AEP Pension

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

American Electric Power in Ohio seeks a seasoned communications leader to drive external and internal strategy across media relations, branding, public policy advocacy, crisis comms, and employee engagement.

You will counsel senior leaders, shape messaging for diverse stakeholders, and align activities with safety, operations, customer service and corporate goals. The role requires 10-25% travel and offers a strong compensation package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism or related discipline.
• Master's degree in communication or business administration desired.
• Minimum 7 years in a relevant field with at least 3 years of leadership experience in a major corporation, government or news media environment.
• Travel requirements are expected 10-25% of the time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct media relations, social media, employee communications, public policy advocacy, crisis communications, philanthropic activities and advertising.
• Counsel operating company leadership on general public relations matters.
• Develop and recommend communications, public relations and advertising objectives to meet strategic direction.
• Direct the preparation of communication materials for dissemination to stakeholders to ensure clear, consistent messaging.
• Support policies and coordinate communications across the enterprise to support safety, operations, customer service, regulatory and other goals.
• Plan and implement effective communications tools and processes for internal and external audiences.
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans.
• Mobilize support for Company programs and positions and provide local support for the AEP PAC.
• Ensure support of the AEP identity and branding in the community by maintaining brand integrity.

Skills

Leadership experience

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public policy advocacy

Crisis communications

Excellent written and verbal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/public affairs/journalism or related discipline

Master's degree in communication or business administration

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-08-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Drive thought leadership, community and employee engagement, and implementation of external and internal communication strategies through public relations outreach, anticipating stakeholder issues, identifying and delivering regulatory support needs, leading proactive media relations, leading branding/image management, directing customer messages and leading internal communication and culture messaging. Oversee communication activities for internal and external audiences for the operating company to which assigned, including media relations, social media, employee communications, public policy advocacy, crisis communications, philanthropic activities and advertising, ensuring clear, consistent messaging on complex issues for all stakeholders.

Job Description

What you’ll do

• Plan and direct communication activities including media relations, social media, employee communications, public policy advocacy, crisis communications, philanthropic activities and advertising.


• Provide communications and community engagement counsel to the operating company President and other operating company leadership on general public relations matters.


• Develop and recommend communications, public relations and advertising objectives to meet the strategic direction of the Company.


• Direct the preparation of communication materials for dissemination to all stakeholders (internal & external) to ensure clear, consistent messaging.


• Support policies and achievement of goals, enhance communications and facilitate coordination of communications activities within the operating company, with other business units and with other internal and external audiences to support safety, operations, customer service, regulatory and other business unit goals.


• Plan and implement effective and innovative communications tools and processes for both internal and external audiences.


• Develop and implement communications plans to deal with crisis situations.


• Mobilize support for Company programs and positions when necessary and provide local support for the AEP political action committee (PAC).


• Ensure support of the AEP identity and branding in the community by maintaining the integrity, consistency and image of the AEP brand, as well as the branding of its subsidiary companies, through conformance with formally developed corporate identity standards.


• Coordinate with corporate staff and other business units to keep all parties apprised of significant developments and to ensure consistent communications throughout the enterprise.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism or related discipline.


• Master degree in communication or business administration desired.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years in a relevant field with at least 3 years of leadership experience in a major corporation, government or news media environment.

Additional Requirements

• Travel requirements are expected 10-25% of the time


• Physical demand level is Sedentary


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What you’ll get

• Base Salary


• Annual Bonus


• Long Term Incentive


• 401K


• AEP Pension


• Comprehensive Benefits Package

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-010

Compensation Range: $136,539.00 - $208,565.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.