Sr Project & Operations Communications Manager

RWE; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

RWE is seeking a Senior Manager of Project and Operations Communications based in California. This role will lead communications strategies that support energy development projects, working closely with various teams to ensure cohesive messaging.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience, preferably in the energy sector, and a background in media handling. Compensation ranges from $150,000 to $190,000 annually, with various benefits provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant corporate communications experience.
• Experience in energy industry development or regional communications preferred.
• Proven ability to manage media inquiries and prepare spokespeople.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a regional communications strategy.
• Lead external communications for energy projects.
• Produce community-facing materials and digital content.

Skills

Strategic communications planning

Strong writing and editing

Digital communications proficiency

Relationship building

Education

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

Job description

Overview

Senior Manager of Project and Operations Communications (West) to lead and execute regional communications strategies that support the full lifecycle of energy development projects in the West region—from early-stage through project development, permitting, construction, and operations. This role is a key member of the regionally matrixed Corporate Affairs team, working with Stakeholder Engagement and Government Affairs, and in partnership with Development and Operations to ensure cohesive, proactive, and transparent communications with communities, local officials, media, and other external stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive regional communications strategy aligned with project and organizational goals
• Adapt national messaging for regional audiences and ensure consistency across teams
• Coordinate closely with stakeholder engagement, government affairs, and development teams to maintain strategic alignment
• Lead external communications for energy projects from early-stage development through permitting, construction, and operations
• Create community-facing materials including fact sheets, newsletters, project updates, FAQs, presentations, and digital content
• Proactively identify and anticipate emerging risks, opportunities, and communications needs, ensuring teams are prepared with timely and effective messaging
• Serve as a primary regional contact for media inquiries and local press engagement
• Draft press releases, media statements, talking points, and briefing materials, and support regional media events, announcements, and community-facing milestones
• Develop media training and coaching for on-the-ground and subject matter experts ahead of interviews, panels, and public engagements
• Support stakeholder engagement teams with consistent, accessible messaging for landowners, community members, NGOs, businesses, and local officials
• Coordinate with project developers to understand project needs, sensitivities, and communications opportunities
• Partner with government affairs teams to align messaging with policy developments and regulatory processes
• Produce regionally tailored digital content for web, social, and other platforms
• Develop digital communications strategies—including paid and earned tactics—and leverage social listening, online community engagement, and performance insights to inform strategy and drive successful project outcomes
• Manage multiple concurrent communications projects and deadlines across the region
• Manage external agencies, PR firms, and other communications partners to ensure cohesive execution and alignment with strategy, standards, and brand identity
• Produce analytic insights on media performance, sentiment, reach, and reputational indicators to guide continuous improvement of messaging and visibility efforts

Job Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or Communications preferred
• Minimum 8 years of relevant corporate communications experience; experience in energy industry development or regional communications preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams across multiple locations and collaborate effectively to achieve business outcomes
• Strategic communications planning and execution across complex, multi‑phase projects
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills for diverse external audiences
• Ability to multi-task and pivot quickly while working independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment as part of an integrated regional delivery team
• Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to achieve deliverables amid ambiguity and provide direct and transparent feedback to peers and leadership
• Experience managing media inquiries, preparing spokespeople, and navigating issues or sensitive situations
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds
• Proficiency in digital communications, including content creation and use of analytics to guide strategy
• This position is an office-based role with some travel (approximately 30-40%), largely to rural communities and visits to other offices and field locations
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $150,000 - $190,000. This range represents a good faith estimate for new hire salaries across U.S. locations and may vary based on scope, responsibilities, candidate education and experience, training, certifications, and market considerations.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees may participate in short-term incentives in addition to salary.

Apply

To apply, please submit your materials as directed by the posting. For inquiries, contact the recruiting team via email.