VP, Public Affairs & Crisis Communications (Energy)

Ruder Finn; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + Bonus

Benefits package (Health, Dental, VIsn

Cell phone allowance

Generous PTO and parental leave

Learning & development

Workplace flexibility

Social gatherings

Job summary

Ruder Finn seeks a Vice President to lead the Relate team, guiding public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations for energy, health, and corporate reputation accounts. The role requires strategic counsel to senior executives in a high-stakes environment and a passion for proactive, impactful communications.

The VP will manage complex client programs, collaborate with policy stakeholders, and shape messaging across diverse audiences while advancing the agency’s growth and client

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in public relations with emphasis on public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations in the energy/electric/utility sector.
• Strong writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of political, economic, and media landscape with experience managing high-profile issues.
• Proven ability to advise senior-level executives on complex communications strategies and media engagement.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists, policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior strategic advisor to clients on public affairs, reputation management, and crisis response
• Lead the development and execution of high-impact communications strategies in response to evolving issues, including infrastructure updates, political developments, and public sentiment
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with media, government stakeholders, and community leaders
• Provide proactive and reactive media relations counsel, including message development, press materials, media training, and interview preparation
• Monitor emerging risks and issues, lead rapid response efforts, and manage crisis communications plans
• Collaborate with internal client teams and executive leadership to align messaging with business objectives and public expectations
• Identify opportunities for earned media and stakeholder engagement that reinforce client goals and transparency
• Stay ahead of trends in energy, government policy, and public opinion that may impact the sector or client operations
• Represent Ruder Finn’s values in client engagement, contributing to new business development and organic growth opportunities

Skills

Writing

Presentation

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public affairs, political science, journalism, or a related field

Job description

Ruder Finn seeks a Vice President to lead the Relate team, guiding public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations for energy, health, and corporate reputation accounts. The role requires strategic counsel to senior executives in a high-stakes environment and a passion for proactive, impactful communications.

The VP will manage complex client programs, collaborate with policy stakeholders, and shape messaging across diverse audiences while advancing the agency’s growth and client