Manager External Communications - Communications & Branding - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) savings plan with employer matching

Flexible medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs

Training and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

FirstEnergy in Akron, Ohio is looking for a Manager of External Communications to shape the company's communication strategy, manage media relations, and oversee crisis communications. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in corporate communications, capable of managing teams and projects in a fast-paced environment.

The position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Candidates should possess excellent writing and interpersonal skills and have knowledge in digital media strategies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement external communications strategies.
• Serve as primary media contact for press inquiries.
• Direct communication during crises and emergencies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong writing skills

Crisis communications expertise

Digital and social media strategies

Education

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

Tools

AI and enterprise collaboration tools

Metrics and analysis tools

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance

FirstEnergy is a forward‑thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team dedicated to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better, and communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, it includes one of the nation's largest investor‑owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (SC00).

Position Title

Manager, External Communications

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement external communications strategies that reinforce FirstEnergy’s brand reputation and business objectives.
• Align messaging across all channels to ensure consistency with corporate priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Lead planning for major initiatives, including infrastructure investments, clean‑energy transition, and customer experience improvements.

Media Relations & Public Relations

• Serve as primary media contact, managing press inquiries and developing proactive media outreach strategies.
• Oversee creation and distribution of press releases, statements, and media kits; prepare executives for interviews and public appearances.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment; provide analysis and recommendations to leadership.

Crisis & Emergency Communications

• Direct communication during outages, storms, and emergency events; ensure timely, accurate, customer‑focused messaging.
• Maintain and update crisis communication protocols; lead team readiness for rapid‑response situations.

Executive & Stakeholder Visibility

• Shape executive visibility through speeches, talking points, and thought‑leadership opportunities.
• Partner with senior leadership to communicate strategic priorities internally and externally.
• Support engagement with regulators, policymakers, and community stakeholders through clear, compliant messaging.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals; foster collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams including Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Customer Service, and Government Affairs.
• Oversee vendor relationships and manage budgets for advertising, sponsorships, and creative services.

Brand & Creative Oversight

• Ensure brand standards are maintained across all communications, advertising, and sponsorship initiatives.
• Direct development of creative assets, graphics, and visual identity for campaigns and corporate materials.

Measurement & Reporting

• Establish KPIs for communications initiatives; track performance and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Continuously evaluate effectiveness of strategies and adjust based on data and stakeholder feedback.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to simplify technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of modern communications technologies, metrics and analysis tools, including AI and enterprise collaboration tools.
• Expertise in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience in a regulated industry, preferably electric or energy utilities.
• Familiarity with regulatory processes and public utility commission communications.
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies, analytics, and emerging communication technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to effectively structure and present information and recommendations involving complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with all levels of employees and leadership.
• Desire to learn, grow and work across FirstEnergy, and deliver quality and accurate work within established deadlines.

Ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize work in a dynamic environment.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

FirstEnergy rewards individual and team efforts through competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company‑sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with employer matching, and flexible medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. Training and tuition reimbursement are also available. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status, or disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H‑1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all business activities. Employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform duties safely and promote public safety. FirstEnergy is committed to achieving world‑class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team