American Electric Power

External Affairs Manager

American Electric Power • $116K — $151K *
Fort Wayne, IN 46835In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Finance, Communications, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • At least 7 years of experience in Customer Services, Community Relations, Economic & Business Development, or Government Relations, preferably in the utility industry.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage strategic relationships and possess political acumen.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of company strategies and policies for effective community relations.
  • Act as the local legislative liaison to advocate corporate positions.
  • Build and manage key relationships in environmental and economic development sectors.
  • Coordinate solutions for emerging community and business development issues.
  • Support local economic development activities including recruitment and business retention.
  • Act as the primary emergency management contact for public safety during outages.
  • Facilitate grassroots support for legislative initiatives crucial for the company's operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package to enhance employee well-being.
  • Support for community investment, philanthropic initiatives, and partnerships.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
06-29-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible for oversight and implementation of local & county governmental affairs, media communications liaison, community relations and local/regional economic development operations. Also serves as AEP's primary community field contact.

Job Description

What you'll do:
  • Provide strong, enabling leadership, serving as team lead in the development of company strategies and policies necessary to build effective community relations and economic development programs.
  • Serve as local legislative contact and liaison working with respective business units to advocate corporate positions and influence public policy.
  • Strategically build, maintain and manage key environmental, economic development and community contacts and relationships.
  • Manage, coordinate and facilitate solutions to emerging strategic community and business development issues, e.g. franchises, quality of service, ROW, permits, ordinances/resolutions, taxes, siting, commission complaints, environmental and other regulatory issues.
  • Manage, coordinate and support regional/local economic development activities including community preparedness, strategic recruitment and business retention.
  • Provide support to Distribution and Transmission in outage situations, serving as the primary community and public emergency management contact as per the OPCO's ICS Plan.
  • Serve as AEP's local grassroots facilitator; support legislative and regulatory initiatives of key importance to operating company and AEP's business and public policy needs and effectively advocate company positions. Maintain strong relationships with local executive management team, local distribution and transmission managers, corporate communications representatives, and regulatory and governmental affairs representatives.
  • Manage local level contributions and memberships. Assist in the developing, organizing and implementing corporate policy and strategy for overall effective state representation by educating the state legislators, their staff and the state government as to the goals, objectives and needs of the Corporation.
  • Must demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policies.


What we're looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Finance, Communications or other related degree. Master's degree desirable.


Work Experience requirement listed below:
  • Minimum of seven years' related experience in Customer Services, Community Relations, Economic & Business Development, Government Relations, Generation, Transmission or Distribution Utility Operations. Utility industry related experience preferred.


Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:
  • Must have a valid Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Demonstrated communications and presentation skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Must be able to travel to various locations for extended periods and work late into the evenings.
  • Must possess demonstrated ability to successfully build strategic internal and external relationships, possess political acumen, and display strong initiative to manage resources, projects and issues across business units, committees and task forces (both internal and external to the Company).
  • Demonstrated successful leadership.
  • Must be able to see information on computer screen and use computer keyboard.
  • Must be able to hear spoken words via telephone, cell phone or during individual or group meetings.
  • Experience in working with and managing diverse public engagement scenarios.
  • Experience in community investment, philanthropic, and community partnership activities.


What you'll get:

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at AEP by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and career tips that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ
AEP
* Ladders Estimates

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