External Communications Manager

POSITION SUMMARY
The External Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic external communications that enhance the company’s reputation, strengthen stakeholder trust, and support key business priorities. This role leads media relations, manages proactive and reactive messaging, drives issue-based communications planning, and elevates storytelling around strategic initiatives. The position also provides leadership and guidance to two direct reports, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and communications priorities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Media Relations

Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries; manage relationships with local, regional, and national outlets

Develop and execute media strategies to proactively position the company and its leadership

Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagement, including briefings and key messages

Monitor media coverage and sentiment; provide insights and recommendations to leadership

Manage media distribution platforms and tools, including press release dissemination, media list management, performance reporting, and journalist engagement tracking

External Messaging & Statements

Draft, review, and approve external statements in response to emerging issues and stakeholder inquiries

Develop proactive messaging to support strategic announcements and reputation-building initiatives

Ensure message consistency across channels and alignment with corporate positioning and regulatory expectations

Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and Operational teams on sensitive or high-risk communications

Issues Management & Communications Planning

Lead development and execution of communications plans for issues, crises, and high-profile business developments

Anticipate reputational risks and develop scenario-based messaging and response strategies

Coordinate cross-functional communications to ensure timely and accurate responses

Provide counsel to leadership on communications risks, stakeholder impact, and mitigation strategies

Measure and report on communications effectiveness using media analytics, sentiment analysis, share of voice, and stakeholder engagement metrics

Use AI responsibly as a tool to enhance research, monitoring, drafting and workflow efficiency (and not as a substitute for sound communications judgment, fact-checking, creativity or brand stewardship).

Strategic Storytelling

Develop compelling narratives that highlight company impact and value across key initiatives

Identify opportunities to elevate stories through earned media, digital channels, and executive visibility

Translate complex technical and regulatory topics into clear, engaging messaging

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Internal Communications, Government Affairs, Regulatory, Operations, and Brand teams to ensure alignment

Support integrated communications campaigns and enterprise-wide initiatives

Collaborate with digital and social teams to amplify messaging

Work with Digital Advocacy team in monitoring traditional, digital, and social media conversations to identify emerging issues, assess reputational risk, and provide actionable insights to leadership

Partner with Internal and Digital Advocacy teams to optimize content for web, social, intranet and multimedia channels to maximize reach and engagement

QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field required

7–10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations required

Ideal candidate will have 2 years of management experience.

Experience working with Cision, PR Newswire, Meltwater or related platform required

Ideal candidate will have supervisory experience and experience managing high-profile issues, crisis communications, and executive-level messaging

Experience in regulated industries (e.g., energy, utilities, infrastructure) preferred

Social media experience is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a focus on clarity and precision

Ability to translate complex information into concise, audience-focused messaging

Strategic thinking with strong executive presence

Strong judgment and ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments

Effective stakeholder management and ability to influence without authority

High attention to detail and message discipline

Agility and responsiveness in rapidly evolving situations

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 21097

Job Category: Communications & External Affairs

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services

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