Senior Manager, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region (Energy Infrastructure)

Location: Hybrid, US, Houston, Texas; frequent field travel across the Central Region, with 30–50% anticipated travel

Company

AES is a US-based global power company developing sustainable electricity, energy storage, solar and wind projects, and digital energy initiatives.

What you will do

• Lead, coach, and develop a regional team of stakeholder engagement professionals.
• Develop and execute community engagement plans for energy infrastructure and multi-technology campus projects from prospecting through permitting, construction, execution, and transition to operations.
• Build relationships with communities, elected officials, regulators, unions, nonprofits, customers, development partners, and industry organizations, with a particular focus on Texas.
• Design, negotiate, implement, and report on community benefit agreements and Social Impact partnerships.
• Monitor stakeholder sentiment, media, political developments, and community issues; manage risks, commitments, records, and executive-facing reporting.
• Coordinate public meetings, community events, site visits, local communications, economic development initiatives, and issue or crisis communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in community engagement, advocacy, public relations, public affairs, environmental studies, communications, local government, or a related field.
• At least 9 years of related experience in stakeholder engagement or a similar field.
• Previous people-management experience, including coaching, developing, and leading teams.
• Advanced capabilities in advocacy, political literacy, economic development and incentives, complex infrastructure development, inclusive engagement, public speaking, communications, analysis, and accountability.
• Experience engaging diverse communities and familiarity with government, regulatory requirements, and community dynamics.
• Frequent travel and field engagement are required; the role involves offices, community centers, project communities, and construction sites.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in public relations, communications, business administration, or a related field.
• APR, CPR, PMP, PRSA, or Public Affairs Council accreditation or certification.
• Training in sustainability, community engagement, public relations, leadership, negotiation, advocacy, digital engagement, or AI tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a diverse and inclusive environment guided by the values Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across development, permitting, execution, finance, legal, government relations, operations, and communications.
• Engage in projects supporting sustainable and affordable power, energy storage, solar, wind, and large-load infrastructure.
• Perform a combination of indoor and outdoor work with regular regional field engagement.