Director External Affairs

AEP; Fort Wayne (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

AEP in Fort Wayne, IN seeks a Director External Affairs to lead state and local governmental affairs, public policy, and community relations. The role supervises external affairs managers and staff, aligning strategies with company objectives to enhance customer satisfaction.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 8 years in related fields, with travel to multiple Indiana locations. A Master’s is desirable; offers include base salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8 years' experience in Community Relations, Economic Development, Government Relations or Customer Relations.
• Utility industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic internal and external relationships and lead teams.
• Travel to various locations (~25%) is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of company strategies and policies for community relations and public policy.
• Direct staff and consultants to manage legislative, environmental, regulatory, and community relationships.
• Oversee investment of political and community contributions resources.
• Coordinate solutions to franchises, service quality, taxes, siting, and regulatory issues.
• Represent company in state and community organizations.
• Administer and advocate for safety programs and initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic relationships

Public policy

Communication

Presentation

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Communications, or related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

## Director External AffairsApply: Ft. Wayne, IN: Avilla, IN: Muncie Srv Ctr: South Bend Svc Ctr: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 27, 2026 (7 days left to apply): R20031**Job Posting End Date**10-27-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**The Director External Affairs is responsible for oversight and implementation of state and 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 state and 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 PackageAt 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 - $208,565.50The 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.