Nes Power Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NASHVILLE ELECTRIC SERVICE
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Position Overview
The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) serves as the senior executive responsible for overseeing all aspects of internal and external communications. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CCO plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's public image, fostering stakeholder relationships, and ensuring transparent, effective communication during normal operations, crises, and strategic initiatives. This position requires a strategic leader with expertise in public relations, media management, and regulatory communications, particularly in a highly regulated industry like utilities where public trust, safety, and reliability are paramount.
The CCO will lead a team of communications professionals, collaborate with executive management, and align communication strategies with the company's mission to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services to customers in the communities NES serves. This role demands a proactive approach to managing reputational risks, promoting corporate social responsibility, and leveraging digital and traditional media to engage various audiences.
Key Responsibilities
(a) Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with the company's business objectives, regulatory requirements, and company values. This includes creating long-term plans for public relations, branding, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the company's reputation as a reliable utility provider.
(b) Managing interactions with local, national, and industry-specific media outlets. Oversee press releases, media briefings, and responses to inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination, especially during emergencies such as power outages, service disruptions, or environmental incidents.
(c) Lead the development and execution of crisis communication protocols, including real-time updates to customers, regulators, and the public via digital platforms, and community alerts. Coordinate with operations, legal, and safety teams to mitigate reputational impacts from incidents like natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or regulatory investigations.
(d) Serve as executive sponsor for crisis communications within the organization's Incident Command System (ICS), ensuring the Public Information Officer (PIO) function is trained, activated, and aligned with operational command during emergencies.
(e) Manage relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and community partners.
(f) Build and maintain strong ties with customers, community leaders, environmental groups, and other stakeholders through outreach programs, public events, and educational campaigns on topics like energy conservation, safety, and rate structures.
(g) Oversee the company's digital presence, including website management, social media strategies, content creation, and analytics. Direct marketing efforts to promote services, customer programs, and corporate initiatives, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
(h) Monitor communication effectiveness through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as media coverage sentiment, engagement rates, and stakeholder feedback. Prepare reports for executive leadership and the Board; recommend adjustments to strategies based on data insights.
(i) Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the department.
(j) Oversee the professional development, supervision, monitoring, and motivation of assigned staff. Establish quality standards for personnel and department activities to assure excellence. Oversee performance appraisal and professional development of the section.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree (e.g., MBA or Master's in Communications) preferred.
• Ten years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related fields, including three years managerial experience. Experience in the utility sector, energy industry, or a regulated environment is highly preferred. Proven record in crisis management, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) certification is preferred.
• Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification is preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal abilities to influence executives, teams, and external partners.
• Proficiency in digital tools, social media platforms, and analytics software.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks relevant to utilities.
• Crisis response expertise, including rapid decision-making under pressure.
• Strategic thinking with a data-driven approach to measuring communication impact.

NOTE:
The selection process for this position will involve behavioral interviews.
Subject to shift work and 24-hour call.
Salary will be set commensurate with the scope and depth of relevant experience.
Applications must be submitted online by June 16,2026. If you have any questions, please call the Talent Acquisition & Employee Relations Office at Ext. 3676.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.