Manager External Communications - Communications & Branding - Akron Headquarters

First Energy at a Glance

First Energy is a forward‑thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team dedicated to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better, and communities stronger.

First Energy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, it includes one of the nation's largest investor‑owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

This is an open position with First Energy Service Co., a subsidiary of First Energy Corp. (SC00).

Manager, External Communications

• Develop and implement external communications strategies that reinforce First Energy’s brand reputation and business objectives.
• Align messaging across all channels to ensure consistency with corporate priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Lead planning for major initiatives, including infrastructure investments, clean‑energy transition, and customer experience improvements.

• Serve as primary media contact, managing press inquiries and developing proactive media outreach strategies.
• Oversee creation and distribution of press releases, statements, and media kits; prepare executives for interviews and public appearances.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment; provide analysis and recommendations to leadership.

• Direct communication during outages, storms, and emergency events; ensure timely, accurate, customer‑focused messaging.
• Maintain and update crisis communication protocols; lead team readiness for rapid‑response situations.

• Shape executive visibility through speeches, talking points, and thought‑leadership opportunities.
• Partner with senior leadership to communicate strategic priorities internally and externally.
• Support engagement with regulators, policymakers, and community stakeholders through clear, compliant messaging.

• Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals; foster collaboration, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams including Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Customer Service, and Government Affairs.
• Oversee vendor relationships and manage budgets for advertising, sponsor ships, and creative services.

• Ensure brand standards are maintained across all communications, advertising, and sponsorship initiatives.
• Direct development of creative assets, graphics, and visual identity for campaigns and corporate materials.

• Establish KPIs for communications initiatives; track performance and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Continuously evaluate effectiveness of strategies and adjust based on data and stakeholder feedback.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to simplify technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of modern communications technologies, metrics and analysis tools, including AI and enterprise collaboration tools.
• Expertise in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience in a regulated industry, preferably electric or energy utilities.
• Familiarity with regulatory processes and public utility commission communications.
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies, analytics, and emerging communication technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to effectively structure and present information and recommendations involving complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with all levels of employees and leadership.
• Desire to learn, grow and work across…