Director External Affairs

American Electric Power Co.; Fort Wayne, Avilla, Muncie, South Bend (IN, IN, IN, IN); On-site; USD 137,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base Salary

Annual Bonus

401K

Long Term Incentive

AEP Pension

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. in Fort Wayne, IN seeks a Director External Affairs to oversee local governmental affairs, public policy, and community relations, guiding staff and outside consultants to build strategic relationships and advance economic development initiatives.

The role requires 8+ years in community or government relations, a bachelor's degree in a related field (master's preferred), and exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 8 years' experience in Community Relations, Economic Development, Government Relations or Customer Relations per the listed principal accountabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic internal and external relationships and political acumen.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of company strategies and policies for effective community relations and public policy.
• Direct staff and consultants to build and manage legislative, environmental, regulatory, economic development and customer relationships.
• Manage investment of the company's political and community contribution resources.
• Coordinate solutions to issues such as franchises, service quality, right of way, taxes, facility siting, and environmental/regulatory concerns.
• Participate in community organizations and advocate for safety programs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Political acumen

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

Category : Communications & Public Relations

Job Summary

The Director External Affairs is responsible for oversight and implementation of local governmental affairs, public policy, and community relations including support of other internal departments in policy and community issues. Manage and supervise external affairs managers and other staff as assigned.

Job Description

What You\'ll Do:

• Lead the development of company strategies and policies necessary to build effective community relations, influence public policy, create effective internal and external communications, and participate in the development and delivery of economic development strategies, new technology and energy efficiency programs while achieving excellent customer satisfaction.


• Direct/guide staff and consultants to strategically build, maintain and manage key legislative, environmental, regulatory, economic development, community and customer contacts and relationships.


• Manage the effective investment of the company\'s political and community contribution resources.


• Manage, coordinate, and facilitate solutions to emerging strategic community and business development issues, such as franchises, service quality, right of way, ordinances, taxes, facility siting, commission complaints, customer complaints, and other environmental and regulatory issues.


• Participate and serve in community organizations where key leaders are engaged.


• Administer and advocate for company\'s safety programs and initiatives.


• Perform other job responsibilities when requested by company leadership.

What We\'re Looking For:

Education

• Bachelor\'s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Communications, or other related field.


• Master\'s Degree desirable.

Experience

• 8 years\' experience in Community Relations, Economic Development, Government Relations or Customer Relations per the listed principal accountabilities.


• Utility industry experience preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to successfully build strategic internal and external relationships, political acumen, and display strong initiative to direct and manage resources, projects and challenges across business units, committees and task forces (both internal and external to the company).


• Demonstrated and successful leadership.


• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.


• Travel to various locations required with participation in evening business and community functions (~25%).

Where You\'ll Work:

• Fort Wayne, IN


• Avilla, IN


• Muncie, IN


• Or South Bend, IN

What You\'ll Get:

• Base Salary


• Annual Bonus


• 401K


• Long Term Incentive


• 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

$136,539.00 - $208,565.50

Physical Demands

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

The External Affairs Manager is responsible for oversight and implementation of local & county governmental affairs, media communications liaison, community relations and local/regional economic development operations. Also serves as AEP\'s primary community field contact.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.