Vice President of Nuclear Development Communications

About the Role

Join us in building an organization where every employee is empowered to make a generational impact. As the communications leader for nuclear development, you will shape and amplify our story, crafting messaging that inspires, engages, and builds trust amongst our many stakeholders. Your work will align our team's purpose with the opportunity to transform the industry, setting new standards for safety, innovation, operational excellence, and power generation. Through strategic communications, you will help position our organization as a leader in advanced nuclear solutions and foster a culture where every voice contributes to our shared success.

Job Description

The Vice President of Nuclear Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the communications vision for AEP's Nuclear Development organization. This role orchestrates all internal and external messaging, ensuring the organization's mission, vision, and values are clearly and consistently conveyed to employees, customers, regulators, and the public. The VP, Communications drives brand reputation, stakeholder engagement, and narrative development across all platforms, supporting business objectives and fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and innovation.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Provide expert counsel to the President and executive team on communications strategy, messaging, and reputation management. Develop and implement comprehensive communications plans that support business goals, regulatory requirements, and industry leadership. Lead crisis communications, proactively preparing for and managing issues to protect and enhance the organization's reputation. Build an industry-leading nuclear brand that supports growth through innovation, partnership, customer service, operational excellence and regulatory integrity.
• Brand & Narrative Management: Oversee the development and delivery of all communications content, including executive messaging, media relations, digital platforms, and internal communications. Ensure brand consistency and clarity across all channels, partnering with Operating Companies and AEP's Communications & Marketing department. Drive innovative branding initiatives to enhance visibility and reputation within the nuclear energy sector.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including media, government agencies, industry partners, and community leaders. Collaborate with regulatory and government affairs teams to align communications with legislative and regulatory strategies. Partner across the AEP system to ensure consistency and relevancy of message. Foster employee engagement and alignment through effective internal communications, ensuring staff are informed, motivated, and connected to the organization's purpose.
• Digital & Media Strategy: Lead digital communications efforts, including website, social media, and digital marketing, to engage customers, communities, and stakeholders. Oversee public relations activities, managing relationships with media outlets, influencers, and external partners.
• Operational Excellence: Manage the communications budget, allocating resources to maximize impact and measure effectiveness. Guide the professional development of the Nuclear Development Communications team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: Extensive experience in strategic communications and public relations, with a minimum of 10 years leading strategic communication initiatives and managing public relations for a large organization.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the energy industry, including the regulatory and policy landscape, as well as the company's role in the industry.
• Leadership: Excellent leadership and management skills, with a proven track record of effectively managing and motivating teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Crisis Management Expertise: Experience handling crisis situations and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure, playing a critical role in managing Nuclear Development's reputation and communicating with stakeholders.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex information to various stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the general public.

Compensation

Compensation Grade: SP20-013. Compensation Range: $221,489.00 - $287,934.50.

Physical Demand Level

S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force 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.