Executive State Communications Leader

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Pension plan

401(k) with matching

Health/dental/vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

FirstEnergy, headquartered in Akron, OH, is seeking a Head of State Communications to develop and execute integrated communications strategies for Ohio. This role reports to Corporate Communications and partners with the Ohio State President to align messaging across internal, external, and customer-facing channels.

The candidate will lead executive communications, branding, media relations, and social media, drive stakeholder engagement, manage budgets and vendors, and foster a culture of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic internal and external communications plans that drive measurable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, social media, and customer engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting senior executives and managing high-stakes communications.
• Proficiency in data-driven communications, including use of analytics tools and dashboards as well as AI technologies.
• Experience in change management communications strategies and tactics.
• Attention to detail ensuring consistent messaging, branding, and accuracy across all communications materials.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP of Communications & Branding and the Ohio State President to develop and implement communications strategies aligned with both corporate and state-level priorities.
• Serve as the communications advisor to the Ohio State President, supporting executive visibility, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the development of clear, consistent messaging across internal channels to engage employees and support cultural transformation.
• Oversee external communications including media relations, community outreach, and crisis communications to build trust and transparency.
• Drive customer-focused communications across digital platforms (web, social, email, etc.) to enhance customer experience and reinforce brand identity.
• Manage local advertising and branding initiatives to support business goals and community presence.
• Develop and execute localized social media strategies that reflect the utility’s voice and values while engaging customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor digital sentiment and adjust strategies to improve engagement and reputation.
• Craft compelling executive messaging, speeches, presentations, and stakeholder communications for the State President and other senior leaders.
• Support regulatory and legislative communications in coordination with Government Affairs and Regulatory teams.
• Manage communications operations including budgeting, vendor relationships, and performance tracking.
• Leverage modern technologies and analytics to optimize content delivery and campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Corporate Communications peers to ensure consistency and alignment across the enterprise.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing communications culture within the state team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Written & verbal communication

Change management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field

Tools

Dashboards (BI)

AI technologies

Social media tools

Job description

FirstEnergy, headquartered in Akron, OH, is seeking a Head of State Communications to develop and execute integrated communications strategies for Ohio. This role reports to Corporate Communications and partners with the Ohio State President to align messaging across internal, external, and customer-facing channels.

The candidate will lead executive communications, branding, media relations, and social media, drive stakeholder engagement, manage budgets and vendors, and foster a culture of