Senior Director, External Communications & Reputation

RWE Americas; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 208,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Parental Leave

Job summary

RWE Americas, LLC seeks a Senior Director of External Communications to lead the U.S. external affairs strategy, shape messaging, and protect the company’s reputation.

You will guide media relations, crisis management, and executive communications while partnering with Government Affairs and internal communications. You will mentor a small team, develop multi‑channel content, and serve as a senior advisor to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in internal communications, public relations, or corporate communications; 5 years in a leadership role of a large corporate organization
• Proven track record of managing high‑impact teams and successful execution of high‑profile campaigns and media relations
• Background in the renewable energy or broader energy sector preferred
• Proven ability to shape long‑term external communications strategies that advance business and reputation goals
• Exceptional judgment and skill in advising senior leaders during high‑stakes issues and moments
• Deep expertise in leading multi‑channel media relations, storytelling, and thought‑leadership programs
• Advanced ability to manage crises, navigate sensitive issues, and drive coordinated rapid‑response communications
• Demonstrated success building, managing, and developing high‑performing communications teams
• Strong capability to use analytics, insights, and KPIs to measure impact and optimize communications strategies
• Exceptional cross‑functional collaboration skills, and highly effective at influencing outcomes and building relationships
• This position is an office-based role with some travel (~20%) and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, and execute external communications strategy in the Americas in coordination with global headquarters
• Develop and drive an integrated communications strategy with internal, stakeholder, and Government Affairs teams
• Advance RWE Americas narrative through proactive storytelling and content development
• Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive media strategy
• Oversee crisis communications readiness and measurement frameworks
• Build and drive an executive communications program for U.S. leadership
• Direct development of high‑impact communications materials to support enterprise initiatives
• Partner with Government Affairs to track policy developments and provide strategic communication leadership
• Lead and develop a high‑performing communications team
• Oversee multi‑channel storytelling across media, digital, and social platforms
• Cultivate relationships with media and serve as spokesperson on key issues
• Define enterprise-wide measurement frameworks and KPIs for external communications
• Monitor industry trends and introduce innovative approaches to elevate visibility
• Serve as senior advisor to executives on high‑stakes internal/external engagements
• Coordinate with project communications to align with enterprise priorities
• Lead real‑time media monitoring and provide timely updates to leadership

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Leadership

Analytics & KPIs

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive storytelling

Public affairs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, or related field

Job description

RWE Americas, LLC seeks a Senior Director of External Communications to lead the U.S. external affairs strategy, shape messaging, and protect the company’s reputation.

You will guide media relations, crisis management, and executive communications while partnering with Government Affairs and internal communications. You will mentor a small team, develop multi‑channel content, and serve as a senior advisor to leadership.