Head of State Communications - OH Communications - Akron Headquarters

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 integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

This is an open position with First Energy Service Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, OH.

The Head of State Communications is a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing integrated communications strategies that support the business objectives for the State of Ohio Utility. This role servesasa keyliaison between the Corporate Communications team and the Ohio State President, ensuring alignment across internal, external, and customer-facing communications. The Head will lead efforts in executive communications,branding,advertising,media relations,andsocialmedia,while fostering stakeholder engagement and enhancing the utility’s reputation within its local communities.

This is a mission critical role and will function as a key figure in supporting the needs of the President and the State. It is a career‑defining opportunity for the right leader that wants to drive transformation and have their fingerprints on a highly visible role.

• Partner with the VP of Communications & Branding and the Ohio State President to develop and implement communications strategies aligned with both corporate and state-level priorities.
• Serve as the communications advisor to the Ohio State President, supporting executive visibility, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead the development of clear, consistent messaging across internal channels to engage employees and support cultural transformation.
• Oversee external communications including media relations, community outreach, and crisis communications to build trust and transparency.

• Drive customer-focused communications across digital platforms (web, social, email, etc.) to enhance customer experience and reinforce brand identity.
• Manage local advertising and branding initiatives to support business goals and community presence.

• Develop and execute localized social media strategies that reflect the utility’s voice and
  values while engaging customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor digital sentiment and adjust strategies to improve engagement and reputation.

• Craft compelling executive messaging, speeches, presentations, and stakeholder communications for the State President and other senior leaders.
• Support regulatory and legislative communications in coordination with Government Affairs and Regulatory teams.

• Manage communications operations including budgeting, vendor relationships, and performance tracking.
• Leverage modern technologies and analytics to optimize content delivery and campaign effectiveness.

• Collaborate with Corporate Communications peers to ensure consistency and alignment across the enterprise.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing communications culture within the state team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic internal and external communications plans that drive measurable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, social media, and customer engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Experie…