Director External Affairs

American Electric Power; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 137,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

401K

Long Term Incentive

AEP Pension

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Director External Affairs to oversee local government affairs, public policy, and community relations, guiding internal departments and staff across the organization.

The role leads strategies to build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, manages resources, and represents the company in community and regulatory forums, with ~25% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Communications, or related field.
• Master's degree desirable.
• 8 years' experience in Community Relations, Economic Development, Government Relations or Customer Relations per the listed principal accountabilities.
• Utility industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of company strategies to build community relations and influence public policy.
• Direct staff and consultants to manage key legislative, environmental, regulatory, and community relationships.
• Manage investment of political and community contribution resources.
• Coordinate solutions to issues like franchises, service quality, taxes, siting, and regulatory concerns.
• Participate in community organizations with key leaders.
• Administer and advocate for safety programs and initiatives.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed by leadership.

Skills

Relationship building

Political acumen

Leadership

Oral and written communication

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree desirable

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-27-2026

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 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.