Senior Communications Strategist – Utilities & Crisis

wgl; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness coverage

Retirement savings programs

Paid time off

Short-Term Incentive program

Job summary

WGL leads in energy delivery and seeks a Senior Communications Advisor to shape conversations across employees, customers, regulators, and the media. You will translate complex initiatives into compelling narratives and guide integrated communications strategies for Utilities leadership.

The role covers executive messaging, media relations, issues management, and crisis communications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to uphold a trusted reputation and effective communications across

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic communications plans and providing counsel to senior leaders.
• Strong experience in 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 and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Experience supporting crisis communications, emergency response activities, or business continuity initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

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 messaging.
• Support emergency response communications, crisis communications planning, preparedness exercises, and incident response activities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Speechwriting

Utilities/regulatory familiarity

ICS training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Government Relations, or related field

Tools

Executive social media management

Job description

WGL leads in energy delivery and seeks a Senior Communications Advisor to shape conversations across employees, customers, regulators, and the media. You will translate complex initiatives into compelling narratives and guide integrated communications strategies for Utilities leadership.

The role covers executive messaging, media relations, issues management, and crisis communications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to uphold a trusted reputation and effective communications across