Job DescriptionAbout the OpportunityThis is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, OHPosition SummaryThe 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 serves as a key liaison 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, and social media, 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.
KeyResponsibilitiesStrategic Alignment & Leadership- 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.
Internal & External Communications- 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.
Customer & Brand Communications- 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.
Social Media & Digital Engagement- 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.
Executive Communications- 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.
Operational Excellence- Manage communications operations including budgeting, vendor relationships, and performance tracking.
- Leverage modern technologies and analytics to optimize content delivery and campaign effectiveness.
Team Collaboration & Culture- 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.
Qualifications:- 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.
- Experience supporting senior executives and managing high-stakes communications.
- Proficiency in data-driven communications, including use of analytics tools and dashboards as well as AI technologies.
- Experience in change management communications strategies and tactics.
- Attention to detail ensuring consistent messaging, branding, and accuracy across all communications materials.
- Experience working in complex, matrixed and highly regulated environments preferred.
- Strong working relationships with local, industry and trade media preferred
- Poven ability to thrive in fast paced, high pressure environments.
- Skilled at navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
- Experience managing budgets, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Benefits, Compensation & Workforce DiversityAt FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs.
SafetySafety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
Position ClassificationExempt
FirstEnergy Human Resources Team
FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience.
This is a full-time, on-site position located at the FirstEnergy location in Akron, OH.FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience.
