Director Of Communications

Join Our Team as SPP's Next Director of CommunicationsSouthwest Power Pool (SPP) ensuring reliable, affordable electricity for millions across the central United States is seeking an experienced, visionary Director of Communications to lead our enterprise-wide communications strategy and elevate our voice across the energy landscape. As the Director of Communications, you will shape how SPP communicates its mission, values, and commitments to reliability, transparency, and innovation. This role is both strategic and hands-on, guiding internal and external communications, crisis messaging, brand management, and stakeholder engagement. You'll collaborate with executives and teams across Operations, Engineering, Government Affairs, Regulatory Policy, Human Resources, and more to ensure consistent, impactful communication that builds public trust and strengthens SPP's presence as a regional transmission organization (RTO).What You'll DoStrategic Communications LeadershipDevelop and execute a proactive, company-wide communications strategy that supports SPP's mission and regulatory responsibilities. Ensure messaging aligns with SPP's strategic priorities around affordability, reliability, performance, innovation, and operational excellence. Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team, identifying communications opportunities and proactively flagging risks. Lead communications planning for major corporate initiatives, announcements, and brand evolution efforts.External CommunicationsOversee media relations, public relations, press releases, interviews, and speechwriting for executives. Build and maintain relationships with energy reporters, regional media, and trade press to expand SPP's visibility. Develop issue briefs and messaging for regulatory filings, Board of Directors meetings, and public consultations. Serve as SPP's spokesperson or coordinate spokesperson responsibilities as needed. Lead strategic campaigns that highlight SPP's value to regulators, legislators, and the public. Develop public education initiatives focused on transmission planning, grid modernization, renewable integration, and affordability/reliability considerations.Internal CommunicationsLead companywide communication strategies that enhance culture, employee engagement, and organizational change. Partner with HR and shared services to support company announcements, town halls, and employee-recognition campaigns. Oversee internal communication platforms including intranet content, newsletters, and message boards, ensuring clarity and alignment.Crisis & Risk CommunicationsLead crisis communications during grid emergencies or public scrutiny. Maintain, test, and improve crisis communication plans across Operations, Compliance, and IT. Ensure timely, multi-channel messaging during high-risk grid conditions or events.Brand, Creative & Content LeadershipDirect SPP's brand voice, visual identity, and storytelling across all channels. Oversee creative teams developing graphics, videos, written content, and digital materials. Modernize SPP's brand to strengthen engagement with regulators, legislators, media, and external stakeholders. Use market research and audience insights to steer communication strategies.Team LeadershipManage, coach, and develop a team of communications professionals and designers. Promote a mission-driven, collaborative, transparent team culture. Build strong relationships with external agencies, videographers, creative vendors, and PR consultants.To be successful as our Director of Communications, we're looking for:Education RequirementsBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.Experience RequirementsMinimum 12 years of progressive communications experience, including at least 5 in a management or leadership role. Proven experience with media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder messaging in highly regulated sectors. Experience in digital communication tools, data analytics and PR/marketing technologies Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills. Strong understanding of energy markets, grid planning, or RTO environments. Experience working with C-suite executives and Boards of Directors. Must be available to respond to urgent communications needs during emergency grid events, including outside of business hours.Preferred:Master's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or Energy-related discipline. Familiarity with Southwest Power Pool, FERC, NERC, or related regulatory and market structures. Graphic design, video production, or multimedia content development experience. Prior experience implementing strategic communication plans tied to corporate scorecards or strategy frameworks.Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to make decisions, interpret data, and problem solve. The employee frequently is required to stand or sit for extended periods; use hands to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds. Requires the ability to work and collaborate with managers and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, and opinions to facilitate the task. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Understanding of compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures.Position Type, Location, and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, hybrid onsite role located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional extended hours as business needs arise. Travel Requirement: This position requires minimal 20% travel.SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool.