External Communications Specialist

Job Title External Communications Specialist Posting Start Date 3/23/26 Posted Range $61,000-85,000 Benefits Annual incentive pay and opportunity for continued salary growth. Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental, vision, disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs. Learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally. Pay equity committed. Primary Role Responsible for providing support and delivering a creative array of external public relations and digital communications related to providing education and enhancing the reputation and brand of American Water focusing on customer communications and the company’s advocacy efforts. As a member of the Corporate Communications team, reporting to the Director of External Communications, this role supports the company’s overarching public relations strategy and all media platforms—spanning print, broadcast, online, video, social media, and the external web presence. The role contributes to the corporate public relations effort by amplifying and extending the American Water brand, its customer communications, education and advocacy efforts across all channels. It also supports state subsidiary communications to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment. All efforts are closely coordinated with other functional units and American Water’s public relations firm of record. Key Accountabilities Create and execute communications through earned, owned and paid media that enhance the company’s position among customers and stakeholders. Creates and leverages materials/assets to help educate customers, stakeholders and other audiences on the service we provide to increase/amplify American Water’s brand, thought leadership and customer service/experience. A critical resource in the development and execution of digital communications assets including but not limited to general public relations content, video, website, social media. Provide support to state communication teams and other business units by developing customer and advocacy communications and offering direct assistance to state External Affairs (EA) teams to help ensure consistent messaging and alignment with corporate communication strategies (customer emails, integration tools bill inserts/onserts, websites). Works in a cross‑functional manner within Corporate Communications and through other functional units to develop communications assets. Utilize mainstream media platforms, such as television, radio, and major news websites to maximize reach and engagement with customer and other key stakeholder audiences. Knowledge/Skills Excellent and efficient working graphics capabilities across Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and other graphic design platforms as well as video editing. Knowledge of legacy and emerging social media platforms, video production and website content creation. Speed, flexibility and adaptability and ability to work under pressure and deliver in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent time management skills. Excellent writing skills with the ability to tell a persuasive/compelling story. Team player with the ability to be proactive, collaborative and build relationships outside the communications function. Effective communications skills, drafting of press releases, case studies, position papers. Experience and Education Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in support of advertising, marketing, corporate communications or public relations. Work Environment Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days offsite. Position location is Camden, NJ. Competencies Champions safety Customer obsessed Cultivates innovation Nimble learning Drives results Collaborates #J-18808-Ljbffr