FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
About the Opportunity
This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, OH
Position Summary
The 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.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Alignment &Leadership
PartnerwiththeVPofCommunications&Brandingandthe Ohio State Presidenttodevelop andimplementcommunicationsstrategiesalignedwithbothcorporate andstate-level priorities.
Serveasthecommunicationsadvisortothe Ohio StatePresident,supportingexecutive visibility, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Internal & External Communications
Leadthedevelopmentofclear,consistentmessagingacrossinternalchannelstoengage employees and support cultural transformation.
Overseeexternalcommunicationsincludingmediarelations,communityoutreach,and crisis communications to build trust and transparency.
Customer &Brand Communications
Drivecustomer-focusedcommunicationsacrossdigitalplatforms(web,social,email, etc.) to enhance customer experience and reinforce brand identity.
Managelocaladvertisingandbrandinginitiativestosupportbusinessgoalsand community presence.
Social Media &Digital Engagement
Developandexecutelocalizedsocialmediastrategiesthatreflecttheutility'svoiceand
values while engaging customers and stakeholders.
Monitordigitalsentimentandadjuststrategiestoimproveengagementandreputation.
Executive Communications
Craftcompellingexecutivemessaging,speeches,presentations,andstakeholder communications for the State President and other senior leaders.
SupportregulatoryandlegislativecommunicationsincoordinationwithGovernment Affairs and Regulatory teams.
Operational Excellence
Managecommunicationsoperationsincludingbudgeting,vendorrelationships,and performance tracking.
Leveragemoderntechnologiesandanalyticstooptimize contentdeliveryandcampaign effectiveness.
Team Collaboration &Culture
CollaboratewithCorporateCommunicationspeerstoensureconsistencyandalignment across the enterprise.
Fosteracollaborative,inclusive,andhigh-performingcommunicationsculturewithin the state team.
Qualifications:
Bachelor'sdegreeinCommunications,PublicRelations,Marketing,Journalism,or related field.
Minimumof10yearsofexperienceincommunications,withatleast5yearsina leadership role.
Provenabilitytodevelopandexecutestrategic internalandexternalcommunications plans that drive measurable outcomes.
Strongunderstandingofdigitalcommunications,socialmedia,andcustomer engagement strategies.
Exceptionalwrittenandverbalcommunicationskills,withtheabilitytotailor messaging to diverse audiences.
Experiencesupportingseniorexecutivesandmanaging high-stakescommunications.
Proficiencyindata-drivencommunications,includinguseofanalytics toolsand dashboards as well as AI technologies.
Experienceinchangemanagementcommunicationsstrategiesandtactics.
Attentiontodetailensuringconsistentmessaging,branding,andaccuracyacrossall communications materials.
Experienceworkingincomplex,matrixedandhighlyregulatedenvironmentspreferred.
Strongworkingrelationships withlocal,industryandtrademediapreferred
Povenability tothriveinfastpaced, highpressureenvironments.
Skilledatnavigatingambiguityanddriving clarity.
Experiencemanagingbudgets,vendors,andcross-functional teams.
Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At 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. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety 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 Classification
Exempt
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.
