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Crisis Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communications Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Lead crisis communications preparedness for incidents and crisis situations, including planning, training, message development and exercises. * Support communications response during incidents and ...

$120 - $180/hr

The executive director also will serve on the Crisis Communications Team in a leadership role. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental ...

$85 - $100/hr

Functional Area 3: Crisis & Issues Communications Percent Effort: 20% Lead the university's crisis and issues communications strategy in coordination with university leadership and appropriate campus ...

Showing results 41-60

Crisis Communications information

See salary details

$31K

$72.8K

$248.5K

How much do crisis communications jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for crisis communications in the United States is $72,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crisis communications?

A Crisis Communications job involves managing and responding to emergencies or reputational threats that could impact an organization. Professionals in this role develop strategies to communicate effectively during crises, ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust. They work closely with leadership, media, and stakeholders to control narratives, mitigate damage, and guide recovery efforts. Strong problem-solving, media relations, and messaging skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in crisis communications, and why are they important?

To thrive in Crisis Communications, you need expertise in media relations, public relations strategy, and the ability to craft clear, concise messaging, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with crisis management tools, social listening platforms, and certifications like the Crisis Communications Certificate from PRSA are often advantageous. Exceptional soft skills such as calmness under pressure, quick decision-making, and strong interpersonal communication will make you stand out. These abilities are essential for maintaining organizational reputation and assuring stakeholders during high-pressure situations.

What are typical challenges faced in a crisis communications role, and how is support provided to address them?

Professionals in Crisis Communications often encounter high-pressure situations where rapid, accurate responses are critical to managing public perception and misinformation. Common challenges include juggling multiple stakeholders, coordinating messaging across channels, and adapting to evolving situations in real time. Many organizations provide support through access to specialized crisis teams, regular training drills, and established protocols that help guide decision-making. Team members usually collaborate closely with executives, legal advisors, and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive and effective communication during a crisis. This collaborative, well-supported environment helps individuals thrive despite the demanding nature of the role.

What does a crisis communications specialist do?

A crisis communications specialist manages an organization’s communication during emergencies or negative events to protect reputation and maintain public trust. They develop messaging strategies, coordinate with media, and monitor public response, often using communication tools and media relations skills. The role requires quick decision-making and strong writing abilities.

What cities are hiring for Crisis Communications jobs?

Cities with the most Crisis Communications job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Crisis Communications jobs?

The most popular types of Crisis Communications jobs are:

What states have the most Crisis Communications jobs?

States with the most job openings for Crisis Communications jobs include:

Infographic showing various Crisis Communications job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,826 per year, or $35 per hour.

$51K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Type:

Regular

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We're on the lookout for passionate selfstarters who thrive in fastmoving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Job Purpose/Summary

The Communications Specialist is an experienced communications professional who helps shape and execute Plains' communications strategy across external, digital and internal channels. As part of a small but high-performing team, the role offers breadth, visibility and ownership, with opportunities to contribute across nearly every aspect of the communications function.

This role serves as a trusted communications partner, helping advance businessobjectives, strengthen stakeholderrelationshipsandprotectthe company's reputation. The successful candidate is equally comfortable supporting crisis response,managing digital channels,identifyingnew opportunities to elevate Plains' profile,developing executivemessagingandadvising internal partners.

The role is best suited to someone who enjoysoperatingas a communications generalist with an externalfocus,andis energized by the opportunity to work across a wide variety of business issues.The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, exercises sound judgment,navigates ambiguity with confidence and takes initiative to solve problems before they arise.

Job Responsibilities

While this role touches many areas, priority focus includes:

  • ExternalCommunications

  • Lead crisis communications preparednessfor incidents and crisis situations, including planning, training, messagedevelopmentandexercises.

  • Support communications response during incidents and reputation-sensitive situations, coordinating closelyacross the organization to ensuretimely,accurateand effective communications.

  • Manage media inquiries and support strategic engagement with journalists, industrygroupsand other external stakeholders.

  • Partneracross the organizationto develop and/oralign messaging and communications strategies for stakeholder, regulatory and public-facing activities.

  • Identifyopportunities to strengthen Plains' reputation through thought leadership, industry advocacy, stakeholderengagementand proactive communications initiatives.

  • Digital & Brand Communications

  • Maintainaccurate,engagingand strategicallyalignedwebsitecontentthat supportsbusinesspriorities.

  • Manage Plains' social media presence, developingcontentand monitoring analytics to enhance engagement and support corporateobjectives.

  • Uphold and refine Plains' brand standards, ensuring consistency across communications materials and digital channels.

  • Partner with internal and external creative resources to develop visual,multimediaand digital content aligned with Plains' brand and messaging priorities.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies, AItoolsand digital trends to improve efficiency, strengthen stakeholderengagementand enhance communications effectiveness.

  • InternalCommunications

  • Collaboratewith the internal communicationsleadtosupportcompany-wide communications initiatives including town halls, executive messages, newsletters, intranetcontentand employee engagement campaigns, as business needs and team prioritiesrequire.

  • Develop communications materials that help leaders effectively cascade information throughout the organization.

  • Help define and promote communications best practices,templates, brandresourcesandother sharedcommunications assets.

What Success Looks Like

  • Anticipates communicationsneedsand proactively develops solutions before issues arise.

  • Buildstrustedrelationships across the business and is sought out for communications counsel.

  • Delivers high-quality work quickly, accurately and with minimal oversight.

  • Demonstrates sound judgment in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.

  • Identifiesopportunities to strengthen Plains' reputation and improve communications effectiveness.

  • Embraces newtechnologies and continuously seeks ways to improve how workis executed.

Experience

  • 7-12years of progressive experience in corporate communications,public affairs, public relations, journalism, agencycommunicationsora relatedfield.

  • Experience supporting crisis communications,media relations, issues management or reputation management activities.

Knowledge & Skills

Required

  • Experience supporting crisis communications, issues management and media relations activities.

  • Excellent writing,editingand verbal communication skills, with strongattention to detailand theability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives.

  • Strong business judgment and ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.

  • Experience managing digital communications channels, including websites and social media platforms.

  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work underpressureand deliver high-quality results quickly and accurately.

  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and organizational levels.

Preferred

  • Experience in energy, utilities, transportation, industrial,infrastructureor other capital-intensive industries.

  • Experience supporting communications for a publicly traded company,including investor-facing, regulatoryor corporate reputation initiatives.

  • Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), emergency responsecommunicationsor crisis preparedness programs.

  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, video productiontoolsorother creative platforms.

  • Knowledge of digitalanalytics tools and emergingAI applications in communications.

Behaviors & Expectations

Drives Results

  • Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability,proactivelyidentifyingopportunities,solvingproblemsand improvingoutcomes.

  • Works quickly and independentlywhilemaintainingexceptionallyhigh standardsfor quality and accuracy.

Adapts

  • Remainscomposed, resourcefuland solutions-oriented in dynamic environments.

  • Embraces change,innovationand new ways of working.

  • Learnsquickly and adjusts priorities as business needsevolve.

Serves

  • Approacheswork with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset.

  • Buildsstrong relationships andearnstrust through responsiveness,reliabilityand sound judgment.

  • Seeks feedback and continuouslyrefineswork to improve quality and impact.

Demonstrates Integrity

  • Modelsprofessionalism,discretionand ethical conduct.

  • Exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive information and high-profile issues.

  • Acts withtransparency,accountabilityand respect in all interactions.

#Plains

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.

We are proud to bean Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting WebCareers@Plains.com.

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains' compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. Learn more.