American Electric Power

External Affairs Manager

American Electric Power  •  $116k - $151k/yr  •  United States (Onsite)  •  3 hours ago
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Job Description

Job Posting End Date

06-29-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Responsible for oversight and implementation of local & county governmental affairs, media communications liaison, community relations and local/regional economic development operations. Also serves as AEP's primary community field contact.

What you'll do:

  • Provide strong, enabling leadership, serving as team lead in the development of company strategies and policies necessary to build effective community relations and economic development programs.

  • Serve as local legislative contact and liaison working with respective business units to advocate corporate positions and influence public policy.

  • Strategically build, maintain and manage key environmental, economic development and community contacts and relationships.

  • Manage, coordinate and facilitate solutions to emerging strategic community and business development issues, e.g. franchises, quality of service, ROW, permits, ordinances/resolutions, taxes, siting, commission complaints, environmental and other regulatory issues.

  • Manage, coordinate and support regional/local economic development activities including community preparedness, strategic recruitment and business retention.

  • Provide support to Distribution and Transmission in outage situations, serving as the primary community and public emergency management contact as per the OPCO's ICS Plan.

  • Serve as AEP's local grassroots facilitator; support legislative and regulatory initiatives of key importance to operating company and AEP's business and public policy needs and effectively advocate company positions. Maintain strong relationships with local executive management team, local distribution and transmission managers, corporate communications representatives, and regulatory and governmental affairs representatives.

  • Manage local level contributions and memberships. Assist in the developing, organizing and implementing corporate policy and strategy for overall effective state representation by educating the state legislators, their staff and the state government as to the goals, objectives and needs of the Corporation.

  • Must demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policies.

What we're looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Finance, Communications or other related degree. Master's degree desirable.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

  • Minimum of seven years' related experience in Customer Services, Community Relations, Economic & Business Development, Government Relations, Generation, Transmission or Distribution Utility Operations. Utility industry related experience preferred.

Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:

  • Must have a valid Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated communications and presentation skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

  • Must be able to travel to various locations for extended periods and work late into the evenings.

  • Must possess demonstrated ability to successfully build strategic internal and external relationships, possess political acumen, and display strong initiative to manage resources, projects and issues across business units, committees and task forces (both internal and external to the Company).

  • Demonstrated successful leadership.

  • Must be able to see information on computer screen and use computer keyboard.

  • Must be able to hear spoken words via telephone, cell phone or during individual or group meetings.

  • Experience in working with and managing diverse public engagement scenarios.

  • Experience in community investment, philanthropic, and community partnership activities.

What you'll get:

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!"

ward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!"

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (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.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

American Electric Power

About American Electric Power

Our team at American Electric Power is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.

Industry
Energy & Utilities
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Columbus, OH
Year Founded
Unknown
Website
aep.com
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