Manager, External Communications

Sempra Infrastructure; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Houston, Texas, is seeking a skilled leader for the role of External Communications Manager. You will manage external communications efforts, oversee media relations, and develop strategic messaging to enhance the company's reputation. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience in public relations, a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields, and proven capability in leading high-performing teams. This full-time position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 8 years of related experience in corporate, agency or public-sector public relations.
• Experience as a media spokesperson, working with executives.
• Industry experience and knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage U.S. external communications function and translate strategic goals into operational plans.
• Develop content for press releases, media statements, and briefings.
• Oversee media measurement and public relations strategies based on data.
• Plan and execute communications to elevate the company’s visibility.
• Manage a high-performing team responsible for media outreach and content.
• Lead evaluation of campaign performance through analytics.
• Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication Management

Content Development

Copywriting

Issue Resolution

Marketing Campaign Management

Media Relations Management

Public Affairs Strategy

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or Public Relations

Job description

Job Category

External Affairs/Marketing/Communications

Location

Houston, Texas, USA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Description

Primary Purpose

Manages U.S. external communications function and translates strategic goals into operational plans and measurable outcomes. Resolves cross-team coordination issues, drafts responses to media inquiries. Ensures external communications efforts reinforce reputation, support business objectives, and maintain message discipline. Leads U.S. external communications, including media relations and executive positioning, to strengthen the company’s reputation. Manages messaging, media strategy, and crisis communications while partnering with government and community affairs teams. Oversees brand identity, events, and team development. Seeks a strong leader with sound judgment who can manage high‑profile projects and shifting priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop content for press releases, bylined articles, key messages, media statements, Q&A documents, and briefings.
• Develop, maintain and coordinate rapid-response crisis communications team and plan.
• Oversee media measurement and monitoring to stay abreast of the industry landscape; evolve public relations strategies based on data and insights.
• Oversee the planning and execution of external communications to elevate the company’s visibility and reputation.
• Manage a high-performing team responsible for media outreach, content development, campaign execution, and stakeholder engagement across multiple channels.
• Propose comprehensive communications strategies in alignment with corporate priorities, ensuring messaging consistency and impact.
• Manage relationships with media contacts, industry partners, and external stakeholders to proactively shape public perception and build brand credibility.
• Lead the evaluation of campaign and social media performance through media analytics and social engagement metrics, adapting strategy to optimize outcomes.
• Oversee team development, project prioritization, and workflow management, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Journalism, communications or public relations.

Experience

• Typically requires 8 years of related experience.
• Corporate, agency or public‑sector public relations experience with experience as a media spokesperson, working with executives and developing internal communications strategies.
• Industry experience and knowledge.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication Management - The systematic planning, implementing, monitoring, and revision of all the channels of external communication.
• Content Development - The entire process of creating content to achieve specific business goals, including idea generation, topic research, keyword research, writing, and publishing—not just for a single piece of content, but for a long‑term strategy.
• Copywriting - The strategy of creating persuasive content with the goal of generating positive conversions about the organization.
• Issue Resolution - Addressing problems that need to be solved, the decisions that need to be made, and the risks that need to be mitigated.
• Marketing Campaign Management - Creating and managing overall strategy for Integrated Marketing campaigns that help support business goals and objectives.
• Media Relations Management - Working with media for the purpose of informing the public of an organization's mission, policies and practices in a positive.
• Public Affairs Strategy - The strategic approach to engaging with the general public using media and communications.
• Relationship Management - Activities undertaken to improve business relationships.