VP of Communications

H2O America is actively seeking talented, driven and effective applicants for the position of **VP of Communications** to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. H2O America is the parent organization of the following subsidiary companies: San Jose Water, Connecticut Water, Maine Water, and Texas Water. We sustain life by delivering high\-quality water and exceptional service while investing in the health and vitality of the communities we serve. The Vice President, Corporate Communications is a strategic and business\-oriented leader who thrives in a results\-driven environment. This role is accountable for delivering a proactive, integrated communications strategy aligned with the company’s business objectives and emerging technologies**.** The Vice President will partner with the executive team, state presidents, and peer functions to shape and execute an enterprise\-wide communications plan that modernizes traditional approaches and strengthens engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders. The Vice President will also manage a team of communications professionals who report out of our various subsidiary locations. Travel will be required on an as\-needed basis, with up to 35% travel to be expected. The position oversees all aspects of the communications function, including media relations, issues and crisis management, leadership communications, corporate reputation, internal communications, digital and social media, and corporate social responsibility. The Vice President will advise the executive leadership team on communications strategy to ensure alignment, consistency, and impact. Success requires leveraging communications as a strategic leadership tool to drive culture, engagement, and organizational performance. **Key Responsibilities** * Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy at corporate and business unit levels to build trust with key stakeholders. * Lead the enterprise communications function, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. * Partner with Investor Relations to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging to shareholders, analysts, and the financial community. This includes supporting the development of annual reports, earnings releases, investor presentations, and other financial communications. * Work closely with Legal to ensure all external communications comply with regulatory requirements and legal standards. This includes reviewing messaging sensitive disclosures, crisis situations, and regulatory filings, and ensuring communications are accurate and risk managed. * Support executive leadership in preparing for major transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or other strategic initiatives, ensuring communications are coordinated and compliant. * Advise on reputational risk and provide guidance during sensitive or high\-impact events, leveraging legal and investor relations expertise as needed. * Implement proactive reputation management and media relations programs to position the company and its leadership positively. * Oversee crisis and issues management programs, including early warning systems. * Manage and coach the H2O America communications team, fostering accountability and adaptability. Support the team’s performance appraisals and organizational design in partnership with Leadership \& HR. * Direct media relations, internal communications, crisis response, and external affairs; collaborate on investor relations and sustainability reporting. * Integrate innovative technologies, analytics, and tools into communications strategies. * Establish and track key performance metrics for executive and board reporting. * Develop advocacy strategies to strengthen relationships with external partners. * Collaborate with government and regulatory affairs to align messaging and priorities. * Partner with HR and Project Management Office to lead internal engagement and communications initiatives that support culture and change management. * Elevate leadership communications to position executives as thought leaders. * Support business development initiatives with communications collateral. * Represent the company in industry advocacy organizations. **Required Knowledge, Skills \& Abilities** * Proven success leading strategic communications in complex, regulated environments. * Strong business acumen and ability to influence across a matrixed organization. * Expertise in media relations, crisis management, and reputation building. * Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and change management skills. * Ability to navigate sensitive political, legal, and strategic issues. **Experience \& Education** * 15\+ years of business experience, with significant time in communications/public relations; 10\+ years in leadership roles preferred. * Experience advising senior executives or high\-profile leaders. * Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred. **Location:** This role may report out of any of the subsidiary locations of H2O America (San Jose, CA, New Braunfels, TX, Clinton, CT or Saco, ME). **Salary:** The expected base salary range is $275,000 \- $310,000 annually. **EEO Statement** Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.