Manager External Communications - Communications & Branding - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters at FirstEnergy

Manager, External Communications

First Energy at a Glance:
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. First Energy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

About the Opportunity:
This is an open position with First Energy Service Co., a subsidiary of First Energy Corp. The Manager, External Communications, is a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing First Energy's external communications strategy to strengthen brand reputation and support organizational objectives. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Communications and collaborating with senior company leadership, this position directs a team of professionals responsible for:

• Corporate public relations and media relations
• Internal and external utility communications for West Virginia and Maryland
• Transmission communications
• Brand advertising and sponsor ships
• Graphic communication

The Manager shapes executive visibility, oversees multi-channel communications initiatives, and ensures alignment with company priorities. This role requires a strategic mindset and expertise in crisis response, stakeholder engagement, and project management to enable an agile, collaborative team environment while continuously enhancing communications effectiveness and integration.

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• 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.

Media Relations & Public Relations:

• Serve as a primary media contact; manage press inquiries and develop 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.

Crisis & Emergency Communications:

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

Executive & Stakeholder Visibility:

• 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.

Team Leadership &

Collaboration:

• Manage and mentor a team of communications professionals; foster a culture of 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.

Brand & Creative Oversight:

• 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.

Measurement & Reporting:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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 is preferred
• 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…