Sr External Communications Manager

Senior External Communications Manager – RWE America
Position: Full‑time, permanent. Locations include Illinois, Washington D.C., and other U.S. sites.

Role Responsibilities

Support development and refinement of narrative, message house, and core positioning, ensuring alignment across the business and in line with RWE's communication strategy

Serve as strategic communications advisor to executives and cross‑functional leaders, providing counsel on messaging, reputational risks, external visibility, and media strategy

Lead national, regional, and trade media relations—building and maintaining strong relationships with top‑tier reporters, editors, producers, and sector‑focused journalists

Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies that elevate the corporate story, promote company milestones, and position RWE experts as credible industry voices

Draft high‑quality external content including press releases, talking points, op‑eds, bylines, Q&A, media statements, executive remarks, and briefing materials

Support crisis and issues‑management communications, including scenario planning, aligned messaging, and materials development

Monitor emerging issues, sector developments, and competitive dynamics in the energy industry, translating insights into communications strategies and external messaging opportunities

Support external communications planning for major corporate campaigns, announcements, partnerships, and strategic initiatives

Proactively identify emerging risks, opportunities, and communication needs, ensuring leadership is prepared with timely and effective messaging

Manage external agencies, PR firms, and other communication partners to ensure cohesive execution and alignment with RWE’s strategy, standards, and brand identity

Prepare and coordinate media training, briefing materials, and coaching for executives and subject matter experts ahead of interviews, panels, and public engagements

Track and report on media performance, sentiment, reach, and reputational indicators to guide continuous improvement of messaging, campaign planning, and visibility efforts

Job Requirements and Experiences

Relevant degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or Communications preferred

Minimum 7 years of relevant corporate communications experience; experience working in the energy industry preferred

Strong strategic communications skills with the ability to shape and steward a compelling corporate narrative

Excellent writing and storytelling abilities, including experience crafting high‑impact external content for executives and media

Proven media relations expertise and relationships, including managing national and trade reporters and navigating fast‑moving news cycles

Skilled in crisis and issues management with sound judgment and the ability to respond quickly and accurately under pressure

Ability to translate complex business topics into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences

Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills; able to partner effectively with leaders across Communications, Policy, GR, Legal, and business units

High level of professional presence with the ability to counsel senior leaders and provide confident, actionable recommendations

Excellent project management, prioritization, and organizational skills

Ability to pivot quickly and work in an international, fast‑paced, heavy deadline driven work environment

Willingness to travel (up to 20%)

This position is an office‑based role with some travel and visits to other RWE offices and field locations

Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Pay Range
The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois and Washington D.C. is $138,000–$188,000. This range is a general guideline and final compensation depends on scope and responsibilities, education, experience, and market factors.

Benefits Offered

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Life Insurance, Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Education Assistance, Parental Leave

Paid time off and holidays

Short‑term incentives and salary bonuses

Equal Opportunity Statement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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