Director, Large-Load Communications & Data Center Growth

Xcel Energy Inc; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

Long Term Incentive

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a strategic communications leader to drive enterprise-wide initiatives supporting large load (data center) growth across its multi-state footprint. The Director will coordinate across corporate, regulatory, government affairs, customer and community relations teams to shape messaging and reputation.

The role requires a track record in executive communications, stakeholder engagement, and issues management, with a focus on hyperscale customers and data center developers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Business, Political Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, media relations, reputation management, political communications or strategic communications.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder communications initiatives across large organizations.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise-level communications strategies.
• Strong issues management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and executive communications capabilities.
• Experience leading teams and influencing across matrixed organizations.
• Excellent strategic thinking, project management, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive enterprise communications strategy to support large load growth objectives.
• Create state-specific communication frameworks tailored to regulatory, political, economic, media and community environments.
• Position Xcel Energy as a leading energy partner for data center customers through storytelling and media engagement.
• Develop communication plans supporting major projects, infrastructure investments, and economic development initiatives.
• Establish trusted relationships with large load owners, developers, hyperscale customers, site selectors, and industry partners.
• Coordinate communication activities across multiple internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across jurisdictions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Executive communications

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Xcel Energy is seeking a strategic communications leader to drive enterprise-wide initiatives supporting large load (data center) growth across its multi-state footprint. The Director will coordinate across corporate, regulatory, government affairs, customer and community relations teams to shape messaging and reputation.

The role requires a track record in executive communications, stakeholder engagement, and issues management, with a focus on hyperscale customers and data center developers.