Manager Strategic Stakeholder Communications

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Date: Jul 2, 2026

Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US, 85003-2445

Company: APS

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

 

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

 

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  

Summary

The Manager Strategic Stakeholder Communications leads the development and execution of strategic communication initiatives that strengthen corporate reputation and effectively engage external stakeholders on key business priorities and public policy matters. Provides leadership in creating clear, compelling messaging around areas such as clean energy, technology innovation, regulatory initiatives, and major company initiatives.

 

Partners with internal leaders and cross-functional teams including media relations, customer service, investor relations, sustainability, public affairs, and regulatory groups to ensure consistent and impactful communications. Oversees communication strategies across areas such as issues management, executive communications, thought leadership, financial communications, digital platforms, and external engagement. Leads and develops a team of communications professionals while managing budgets, external partners, and agency relationships to support organizational objectives.

Minimum Requirements

  • BA/BS degree in Journalism, Marketing or Communications plus eight (8) years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, campaign communications or related fields.
    In lieu of degree, a total of twelve (12) years combined education and experience in journalism, marketing or communications.
  • Three (3) years supervisory/management experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and develop other professional communicators.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex communication campaigns.
  • Strong grasp of public affairs and public policy.

Major Accountabilities

1) Leads External Communications to provide the corporate-owned enterprise with strategic counsel and communications expertise, from conception to execution, to enhance and protect the company's reputation. Advances the corporate-owned enterprise narrative as a trusted Arizona business, reliable electricity provider, preferred employer and solid investment. Ensures consistent messaging across channels and stakeholders.

2) Provides leadership, guidance, coaching and development to direct reports, and secondary support to all department employees. Creates an inclusive, collaborative culture that values growth, empowerment, efficiency and accountability.

3) Supports a variety of corporate-owned communications focus areas, including, but not limited to, issues management, stakeholder communications, executive communications, financial communications and message integration.

4) Leads resolution initiatives related to issue management as a functional expert in the corporate-owned enterprise and provides communications counsel to cross-functional issue working groups. Supports crisis communications responses at business unit and corporate-owned enterprise levels.

5) Sets strategies, develops messaging and drives communications for high-profile, corporate projects and initiatives with implications for external stakeholders.

6) Prepares executives and subject matter experts to function as thought leaders in key focus areas to help build the company's reputation as a trusted leader and advisor. Provide strategic counsel to senior executives and work collaboratively with other communications teams and internal stakeholders to position them as experts with the media, industry organizations and other market segments.

7) Engages with other communications department functions, including media relations and customer communications, to integrate strategy, messaging and activities into broader department efforts.

8) Establishes and tracks performance against key metrics.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.


Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.



For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).



In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). 

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location. 

  • Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).  
  • Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.  
  • Role types are subject to change based on business need. 


Job Segment: Sustainability, Nuclear, Energy