External Affairs Manager

About the position

The External Affairs Manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing local and county governmental affairs, media communications, community relations, and economic development operations. This role serves as the primary community field contact for American Electric Power (AEP), advocating corporate positions and influencing public policy while building effective community relations and economic development programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership as team lead in developing company strategies and policies for community relations and economic development.
• Serve as local legislative contact and liaison, advocating corporate positions and influencing public policy.
• Build, maintain, and manage key environmental, economic development, and community relationships.
• Manage and facilitate solutions to emerging strategic community and business development issues.
• Coordinate and support regional/local economic development activities, including community preparedness and business retention.
• Act as the primary community and public emergency management contact during outage situations.
• Support legislative and regulatory initiatives important to AEP's business and public policy needs.
• Maintain relationships with local executive management, distribution and transmission managers, and regulatory representatives.
• Manage local contributions and memberships.
• Develop and implement corporate policy and strategy for effective state representation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field; Master's degree desirable.
• Minimum of seven years' related experience in Customer Services, Community Relations, Economic & Business Development, Government Relations, or Utility Operations.
• Utility industry related experience preferred.
• Valid Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Demonstrated communications and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in utility industry operations.
• Strong political acumen and initiative to manage resources and projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $110,656.00 - $143,853.50 per year.
• Equal Employment Opportunity policies and programs.