Position overview

Delta Utilities is seeking an experienced Vice President of Communications to lead and manage all communication and marketing initiatives for the core-focused natural gas utility. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that enhance the visibility, reputation, and impact of the utility in alignment with business objectives and operations. The Vice President of Communications will oversee all efforts related to public relations, marketing, customer communication, and stakeholder engagement, as well as crisis communications, crisis management, public affairs, and media relations.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience serving in a mid-level to executive communications position within the energy, utilities, or engineering sector, or an adjacent technical sector. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a company-wide communication strategy to increase visibility, enhance brand awareness, and effectively communicate organizational impact, such as safety initiatives, community engagement, and sustainability efforts
• Brand management, including overseeing all internal and external communication efforts and enforcing consistency and alignment
• Lead all public relations and media engagement efforts, including building and maintaining strong relationships with reporters, outlets, and other key influencers
• Develop and distribute press releases, media kits, and serve as an official spokesperson for the organization
• Support media and communication training efforts for customer and public-facing employees
• Cultivate and leverage relationships within the New Orleans and Louisiana media markets to advance company objectives
• Manage crisis communication and response efforts aligned with the operations team to protect the company's reputation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local and national media outlets, government officials, and community leaders
• Oversee the organization’s digital and social media strategy, including developing the strategy, identifying impactful engagement opportunities, aligning content calendars with business objectives, and monitoring metrics to deliver effective reach
• Oversee internal communication, including developing and implementing an internal communications strategy, creating alignment across all teams and departments, and enforcing a culture of transparent communication
• Oversee customer communication efforts to ensure alignment between operations and communications, advocate for customer-centric communication, and identify ways to increase customer satisfaction
• Manage the growth and operation of Delta Utilities’ communications department, including budget, campaigns, and resource allocation, to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with company objectives
• Oversee a high-performing communications team, including managing relationships with external agencies, vendors, and contractors
• Support community engagement initiatives and strategic partnerships, particularly in regions critical to the company’s operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
• At least 10 years of experience in communications leadership roles, preferably within the utilities, oil and gas, or energy sectors, or supporting technical/engineering firms
• Proven experience in crisis communication, media management, media strategy, and public relations
• Experience managing communications in regulated industries or high-profile, high-stakes environments
• Familiarity with the New Orleans media market and demonstrated experience working with Louisiana-based outlets
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-faceted communication teams, including external vendors and contractors
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental and campaign budgets
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and to adapt to changing priorities
• Deep knowledge of the regulatory and political landscape impacting the utilities or energy sector
• Demonstrated ability to handle crisis communications with tact and authority
• Experience in digital communications and social media strategy
• Strong community relations skills, with an emphasis on community engagement and sustainability initiatives

Preferred Skills

• Deep knowledge of the regulatory and political landscape impacting the utilities or energy sector
• Demonstrated ability to handle crisis communications with tact and authority
• Experience in digital communications and social media strategy
• Strong community relations skills, with an emphasis on community engagement and sustainability initiatives

About Delta Utilities

Delta Utilities is a leading natural gas utility with a focus on safe, dependable service to customers. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly 600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi and among the top 40 providers in the United States.

In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/ 

Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.