Job Title: Director, Public Affairs and Communications

Location: Houston, Texas

Travel: Required (approximately 25%)

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications

Position Summary:

The Director of Public Affairs & Communications works closely with the SVP, Public Affairs & Communications to help lead integrated communications, stakeholder engagement, and campaign management strategies for a portfolio of energy-sector clients and consumer advocacy organizations. This role operates at the intersection of public policy, regulatory constructs, and consumer sentiment—translating complex regulatory, infrastructure, and market issues into clear, persuasive narratives tailored to policymakers, regulators, media, and energy consumers—both families and businesses.

The Director is expected to function as both a strategic advisor and execution lead, supporting clients across the full spectrum of energy issues including electric power markets, natural gas infrastructure, electric transmission development, carbon capture, and emerging energy demand growth.

The Director will be responsible for assisting in crafting strategic engagement strategies for policymakers, energy regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders and the general public. The role includes managing client relationships, particularly with key initiatives under Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), a national, nonpartisan advocacy organization supporting families, small businesses, and energy consumers.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Advisory

• Assist in the design and execution of public affairs strategies aligned with client business objectives, regulatory timelines, and legislative priorities.

• Support client messaging related to complex energy policy issues (e.g., cost-of-service regulation, rate recovery, infrastructure siting, reliability, and affordability).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in the development and management of stakeholder outreach campaigns targeting policymakers, regulators, community leaders, and industry coalitions.

• Support grasstops advocacy efforts, including coalition building and third-party engagement.

Media Relations & Narrative Development

• Draft and edit high-impact content: op-eds, press releases, white papers, testimony, briefing memos, and digital content.

• Support the SVP, Public Affairs & Communications and the broader communications team in translating technical energy concepts into accessible messaging for public and consumer audiences.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Assist communications response during high-stakes events (e.g., reliability events, rate cases, infrastructure opposition).

• Develop proactive and reactive messaging frameworks to mitigate reputational risk

• Coordinate with government relations and communications teams to ensure message discipline and compliance.

Digital & Campaign Execution

• Oversee digital communications strategies, including social media campaigns, targeted advertising, and stakeholder engagement platforms.

Team Leadership & Business Development

• Manage and mentor junior communications staff and external vendors.

• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal development (RFPs/RFIs), client pitches, and thought leadership.

• Identify emerging policy and market trends impacting client communications strategies.

Benefits

• Annual Discretionary Performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), smart phone, computer, and ten days Personal Time Off as well as ten days of HBW off days annually.