Director, Communications For Electric Transmission
Houston, TX (On-site)
Posted 3 months ago
Job Description
Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.
Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.
At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.
Job Summary
The Director, Communications for Electric Transmission will lead strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management efforts related to these transmission projects. This leader will develop and execute proactive county-by-county communications strategies, support crisis communications preparedness and response, and strengthen relationships with media, local communities, public officials, and other external stakeholders.
This role requires a highly strategic communications professional with experience managing complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive issues in regulated industries. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and play a critical role in shaping and protecting the company’s public reputation.
Essential Functions
- Partner with communications leadership and executive stakeholders to develop and execute strategic communications plans that support business and reputational objectives.
- Lead proactive and reactive earned media strategies related to transmission infrastructure projects.
- Serve as a company spokesperson during daily operations and crisis situations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and industry media outlets.
- Monitor industry, political, and media trends to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging issues.
- Develop messaging and communication materials including:
- Press releases
- Key messages
- Q&A documents
- Executive talking points
- Backgrounders
- Scripts
- Collaborate with public affairs, customer care, and community relations teams to support local engagement efforts along transmission corridors.
- Plan and support public meetings, open houses, and community outreach events.
- Provide strategic counsel to executives and project leaders regarding communications risks and stakeholder engagement.
- Support crisis management planning and mitigation efforts.
- Identify thought leadership opportunities that elevate the company’s visibility and reputation.
- Lead and coordinate consultants, agency partners, and cross-functional teams to deliver communications initiatives on time and within budget.
- Ensure all communications align with corporate policies, standards, and brand guidelines.
- Measure and evaluate communications effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data.
- Bachelor’s degree required in related field along with 10+ years of experience in communications. Experience in a highly regulated industry at a public company preferred.
- Experience identifying, researching, and analyzing trends and issues of concern to the company and industry to advise communications strategy.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 10 years of communications experience required.
- Experience working in a highly regulated industry and/or publicly traded company preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications and reputational issues involving high-profile or politically sensitive matters.
- Strong media relations background with a proven record of securing impactful media placements.
- Experience identifying and analyzing industry trends and advising executive leadership on communications strategy.
- Ability to build relationships quickly with journalists, stakeholders, community leaders, and government officials.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive communications and speechwriting.
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and levels of an organization.
- Knowledge of the energy industry preferred.
- Experience leading teams and developing communications professionals.
- High emotional intelligence, strong judgment, and professional diplomacy.
- Knowledge of internal, external, and digital communications platforms and tools.
- Utility, energy, infrastructure, or industrial sector experience.
- Experience supporting large-scale capital projects or transmission infrastructure initiatives.
- Familiarity with state and local government engagement.
- Experience managing communications in rapidly evolving and highly visible environments.
Working Conditions
We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.
What We Bring To You
- Competitive pay
- Paid training
- Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
- Transit subsidies
- Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
- Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
- Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution
Posting Start Date: 05/12/2026
Posting End Date: 05/25/2026
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR
- 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.Workforce Diversity:CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.We foster:• a culture that considers different backgrounds and viewpoints as competitive advantages,• an environment with opportunities for professional development; and• respect for each other, our customers and business partnersFor more information, visit https://careers.centerpointenergy.com/Community GuidelinesCenterPoint Energy is committed to our core values of safety, integrity, accountability, initiative, and respect for our customers, investors, employees and communities. With that in mind, we invite and encourage respectful, courteous and thoughtful comments and discussions on our social media pages that are on-topic and relevant.Comments that harass, threaten, offend, defame, mislead or contain false information will be hidden or removed at our discretion. Individuals who violate these guidelines will be blocked from posting to our Linkedin page.
