Southern Company

External Communications Manager

Southern Company • $100K — $120K *
Atlanta, GA 30349In-Person
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field required
  • 7-10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations required
  • 2 years of management experience preferred
  • Proficiency with media tools like Cision, PR Newswire, or Meltwater required
  • Experience managing high-profile issues and crisis communications, especially in regulated industries preferred
  • Social media experience is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Serve as primary media contact; manage relationships with local, regional, and national outlets
  • Develop and implement proactive media strategies to elevate company image
  • Prepare executives for media engagements with briefings and key messaging
  • Monitor media coverage and sentiment; provide actionable insights to leadership
  • Draft external statements and develop proactive messaging for reputation initiatives
  • Lead communications planning for issues, crises, and business developments
  • Measure communications effectiveness using analytics and stakeholder metrics

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans
  • Retirement savings options with company matching
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Supportive work-life balance initiatives
  • Collaborative team culture promoting innovation
Full Job Description
Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The External Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic external communications that enhance the company's reputation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and support key business priorities. This role leads media relations, manages proactive and reactive messaging, drives issue-based communications planning, and elevates storytelling around strategic initiatives. The position also provides leadership and guidance to two direct reports, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and communications priorities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Relations
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries; manage relationships with local, regional, and national outlets
  • Develop and execute media strategies to proactively position the company and its leadership
  • Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagement, including briefings and key messages
  • Monitor media coverage and sentiment; provide insights and recommendations to leadership
  • Manage media distribution platforms and tools, including press release dissemination, media list management, performance reporting, and journalist engagement tracking


External Messaging & Statements
  • Draft, review, and approve external statements in response to emerging issues and stakeholder inquiries
  • Develop proactive messaging to support strategic announcements and reputation-building initiatives
  • Ensure message consistency across channels and alignment with corporate positioning and regulatory expectations
  • Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and Operational teams on sensitive or high-risk communications


Issues Management & Communications Planning
  • Lead development and execution of communications plans for issues, crises, and high-profile business developments
  • Anticipate reputational risks and develop scenario-based messaging and response strategies
  • Coordinate cross-functional communications to ensure timely and accurate responses
  • Provide counsel to leadership on communications risks, stakeholder impact, and mitigation strategies
  • Measure and report on communications effectiveness using media analytics, sentiment analysis, share of voice, and stakeholder engagement metrics
  • Use AI responsibly as a tool to enhance research, monitoring, drafting and workflow efficiency (and not as a substitute for sound communications judgment, fact-checking, creativity or brand stewardship).


Strategic Storytelling
  • Develop compelling narratives that highlight company impact and value across key initiatives
  • Identify opportunities to elevate stories through earned media, digital channels, and executive visibility
  • Translate complex technical and regulatory topics into clear, engaging messaging


Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Internal Communications, Government Affairs, Regulatory, Operations, and Brand teams to ensure alignment
  • Support integrated communications campaigns and enterprise-wide initiatives
  • Collaborate with digital and social teams to amplify messaging
  • Work with Digital Advocacy team in monitoring traditional, digital, and social media conversations to identify emerging issues, assess reputational risk, and provide actionable insights to leadership
  • Partner with Internal and Digital Advocacy teams to optimize content for web, social, intranet and multimedia channels to maximize reach and engagement


QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field required
  • 7-10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations required
  • Ideal candidate will have 2 years of management experience.
  • Experience working with Cision, PR Newswire, Meltwater or related platform required
  • Ideal candidate will have supervisory experience and experience managing high-profile issues, crisis communications, and executive-level messaging
  • Experience in regulated industries (e.g., energy, utilities, infrastructure) preferred
  • Social media experience is a plus


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a focus on clarity and precision
  • Ability to translate complex information into concise, audience-focused messaging
  • Strategic thinking with strong executive presence
  • Strong judgment and ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments
  • Effective stakeholder management and ability to influence without authority
  • High attention to detail and message discipline
  • Agility and responsiveness in rapidly evolving situations


About the Team

Southern Company Services

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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