Director, Communications & Brand- Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

The Director of Communications and Brand is a fluent storyteller who leads internal and external communications strategies that create business value with a focus on positive outcomes for people and planet by developing and executing comprehensive and integrated plans that enhance brand visibility, reputation and engagement. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Corporate Responsibility, the Director of Communications and Brand supports the goals of the business by building and maintaining strong relationships and influencing key stakeholders, with a focus on employees, customers and the community, both inside and outside of the organization using a variety of strategies including thought leadership, advertising, sponsorship, media relations, community-building events and ESG-focused communications. The Director of Communications and Brand is a highly visible senior leader who also serves as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and internal stakeholders by providing excellent strategic counsel and timely, best-in-class communications strategy and programming.

In addition to serving as a primary company spokesperson, the Director of Communications and Brand will provide critical leadership during crises/storm communications situations and serve as the Public Information Officer as part of the company’s Incident Management Team.

Location: Hybrid (see below), downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding area

Responsibilities

The Director of Communications and Brand will be responsible for leading all communications and marketing efforts targeting both internal and external audiences, including the development and execution of strategic plans to enhance and protect the Duquesne Light and TEN brands with employees, customers, the media and key stakeholders.

Communications: Collaborate with the executive leadership team to develop strategic business objectives that will guide communications strategies for the future. Lead development and oversee implementation of company-wide integrated communications programs that help senior leadership manage change and deliver business results by effectively informing, influencing and engaging both non-union and union employees, many of whom are dispersed geographically and have varying levels of access to technology and devices. Build an efficient, high-impact strategy to move the needle on strategic communications and brand objectives through management of earned, paid, shared and owned media. Create and manage processes for identifying and strategically responding to emergent communications needs and opportunities. Develop communications and brand strategies that are data-driven by overseeing regular measurements of progress against KPIs, extracting insights from customer research and working to recalibrate communications and brand strategies as needed. Protect and build the Company’s brand reputation in its service territory and beyond.

Messaging and Channels: Oversee proactive and reactive media relations and social media/digital strategies. Effectively engage and educate employees through strategic internal communications and programs. Update/realign the portfolio of external and internal communication vehicles as needed to support strategic communications objectives. Clearly and accurately disseminate public information through news media and other channels. Serve as Corporate Spokesperson and as senior-level media contact for Duquesne Light Company, providing leadership in crises and reputational situations. Work collaboratively with the Company’s business continuity team to provide strategic communications counsel and support during critical business continuity and crisis events.

Execution: Possess an action-oriented management style and meet deadlines consistently. Lead and develop a team of high-performing leaders and team members who consistently hit the mark in executing comprehensive and integrated communications campaigns and activities, from strategic, outcomes-driven planning through tactical execution. As needed, create new processes and drive continuous improvement to ensure the team is efficiently and effectively performing the work that has a measurable impact in support of the DLH organization. Develop and manage the departmental budget.

Leadership & Working Relationships: Earn trusted advisor status with the executive team by building two-way communication programs to understand and support functional business objectives and obtain regular feedback on the quality and effectiveness of the team. Build and sustain a positive, high-performance, outcomes-driven team culture and help foster an environment that enables transparent and authentic communications.

Community Involvement and Key Partnerships: Serve as a trusted partner with key internal and external organizations (non-profit, government, community, news media, etc.). Collaborate with internal stakeholders including corporate responsibility, customer service, operations, human resources, and external affairs teams to build alliances and establish awareness and impact of community activities, including the development and coordination of special events, unique sponsorships and community partnerships, major community infrastructure projects, and other activities that support the Company’s strategic vision and mission.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee relationships with external agencies and contractors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications or business administration.
• Fifteen (15+) or more years of progressive experience in internal & external communications.
• Ten (10+) or more years of supervisory experience leading and mentoring professionals and delegating effectively to team members.

Experience

• Working in large complex organizations.
• Creating effective strategic communications for diverse audiences.
• Acting as a company spokesperson, including on camera.
• Proven experience in employee communications and change management.

Skills and Abilities Utilized in this Role Include:

• Excellent writing, verbal communication, collaboration and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to make sound judgments quickly regarding sensitive and confidential information and represent the company in a variety of highly visible and public situations with integrity and professionalism.
• Must be experienced in project management and able to manage multiple projects or programs simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and foster productive and respectful relationships with local media and key community stakeholders.
• Ability to measure and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies and make changes as necessary to improve results.
• Must possess a positive attitude and strong values that fit with DLC’s core values: Safety, Dependability, Integrity, Equity and Community.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal office environment.
• Conditions range from normal to high stress due to the unexpected nature of occurrences that may be weather related and can create demanding conditions and considerable customer complaints and dissatisfaction which usually results in media coverage.
• Stamina and flexibility to handle the 24 hours, 7 days per week demand for accessibility during crises situations.
• Must be willing to work nontraditional hours.
• There is a normal amount of local and out-of-city travel including visiting community sites to evaluate programs, participate in events and attend numerous meetings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.