Senior Communications Strategist – Utilities & Crisis

WGL Holdings, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

AltaGas is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to lead strategic communications for Washington Gas, SEMCO Energy, and related utilities. You will translate complex business initiatives into compelling narratives for employees, customers, regulators, and the media while shaping the future of energy delivery.

You will guide executive communications, manage high-profile issues, and collaborate across functions to protect and enhance corporate reputation.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Strategic plans and counsel to senior leaders.
• Executive communications, speechwriting, media relations, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive, high-profile, or complex communications challenges with confidence and sound judgment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization.
• Experience supporting crisis communications, emergency response, or business continuity initiatives.
• Experience supporting regulated utilities, energy, infrastructure, public sector, or other critical services organizations is an asset.
• Experience managing executive social media and thought leadership programs is an asset.
• ICS training or experience in emergency management environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications advisor to Utilities leadership, providing strategic counsel on business priorities, reputation, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategy.
• Develop and execute integrated communications plans that align with business objectives and strengthen trust with key audiences.
• Lead executive communications, including speeches, presentations, talking points, key messages, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations activities and support the organization's response to complex or high-profile issues.
• Anticipate emerging risks and develop communications strategies that protect and enhance organizational reputation.
• Identify and coordinate executive visibility opportunities, including conferences, speaking engagements, awards programs, and external events.
• Build strong partnerships across Public Affairs, Customer Experience, Operations, Community Investment, and other business functions to ensure consistent and aligned messaging.
• Support emergency response communications, crisis communications planning, preparedness exercises, and incident response activities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive communications

Media relations

Issues management

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Relationship building

Speechwriting

Public affairs liaison

Regulatory communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/Public Affairs/Government Relations

Job description

AltaGas is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to lead strategic communications for Washington Gas, SEMCO Energy, and related utilities. You will translate complex business initiatives into compelling narratives for employees, customers, regulators, and the media while shaping the future of energy delivery.

You will guide executive communications, manage high-profile issues, and collaborate across functions to protect and enhance corporate reputation.