Summary

The Manager Strategic Stakeholder Communications leads the development and execution of strategic communication initiatives that strengthen corporate reputation and effectively engage external stakeholders on key business priorities and public policy matters. Provides leadership in creating clear, compelling messaging around areas such as clean energy, technology innovation, regulatory initiatives, and major company initiatives.

Partners with internal leaders and cross-functional teams including media relations, customer service, investor relations, sustainability, public affairs, and regulatory groups to ensure consistent and impactful communications. Oversees communication strategies across areas such as issues management, executive communications, thought leadership, financial communications, digital platforms, and external engagement. Leads and develops a team of communications professionals while managing budgets, external partners, and agency relationships to support organizational objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Journalism, Marketing or Communications plus eight (8) years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, campaign communications or related fields.
  In lieu of degree, a total of twelve (12) years combined education and experience in journalism, marketing or communications.
• Three (3) years supervisory/management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop other professional communicators.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex communication campaigns.
• Strong grasp of public affairs and public policy.

Major Accountabilities

1) Leads External Communications to provide the corporate-owned enterprise with strategic counsel and communications expertise, from conception to execution, to enhance and protect the company's reputation. Advances the corporate-owned enterprise narrative as a trusted Arizona business, reliable electricity provider, preferred employer and solid investment. Ensures consistent messaging across channels and stakeholders.

2) Provides leadership, guidance, coaching and development to direct reports, and secondary support to all department employees. Creates an inclusive, collaborative culture that values growth, empowerment, efficiency and accountability.

3) Supports a variety of corporate-owned communications focus areas, including, but not limited to, issues management, stakeholder communications, executive communications, financial communications and message integration.

4) Leads resolution initiatives related to issue management as a functional expert in the corporate-owned enterprise and provides communications counsel to cross-functional issue working groups. Supports crisis communications responses at business unit and corporate-owned enterprise levels.

5) Sets strategies, develops messaging and drives communications for high-profile, corporate projects and initiatives with implications for external stakeholders.

6) Prepares executives and subject matter experts to function as thought leaders in key focus areas to help build the company's reputation as a trusted leader and advisor. Provide strategic counsel to senior executives and work collaboratively with other communications teams and internal stakeholders to position them as experts with the media, industry organizations and other market segments.

7) Engages with other communications department functions, including media relations and customer communications, to integrate strategy, messaging and activities into broader department efforts.

8) Establishes and tracks performance against key metrics.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.