Manager, External Communications

Manager, External Communications Primary Role Responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive, creative range of centrally led customer communications and graphic production across multiple digital platforms, including the company website, social media, email and existing customer communications channels. This role creates clear, visually compelling materials that educate customers about the services we provide, support customer engagement, and strengthen the image and brand of American Water. This role contributes significantly to the company’s customer communications by producing high-quality digital and visual assets for external platforms and direct-to-customer channels. By leveraging strong graphic design and production skills, the manager develops branded materials, web content, social media visuals and other digital assets that improve message clarity, capture audience attention, and reinforce brand identity. Plays a supporting role on the customer communications team, creating and driving coordinated communications initiatives that consistently amplify and extend the American Water brand and key messages to customers and stakeholders. As part of the Corporate Communications team and reporting to the Sr. Director of External Communications, this person works in tandem with the in‑place Manager, Customer Communications and supports the partnership with the Customer Service Organization, collaborating with external affairs, government affairs, investor relations, business development and other functional units to ensure customer communications are aligned, visually consistent and mutually reinforcing of American Water’s strategic goals and vision. Responsible for helping to develop customer‑specific digital communication graphic assets and other communication channels, actively supporting customer engagement and fostering positive experiences through innovative digital tools. Key Accountabilities Executes customer communications and graphic production across owned, paid media that enhance the company’s position among customers and corporate stakeholders Provides support and alignment to state external affairs and communications teams, other business units and graphic/digital communications; supports crisis communications activities; helps as needed with M&A/integration Utilizes strong graphic design and production skills to develop customer‑facing materials that help educate customers, improve understanding and amplify American Water’s brand, thought leadership and customer service/experience Serves as a resource in the development and execution of integrated digital customer communications, including website content, social media, email, texting, web platforms and future customer communication channels Works in a cross‑functional manner both within External Communications and through the Customer Service organization, Operations, Business Development, Supply Chain and others to coordinate communications activities, customer‑facing visual materials Knowledge & Skills Excellent writing skills with the ability to succinctly tell a persuasive/compelling story. Speed, flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent time management skills. Excellent and efficient working knowledge across Adobe Creative Suite, including graphic design (Canva/InDesign). Team player with ability to be proactive, collaborative and build relationships outside the communications function. Effective presentation and speaking skills. Schedule & Flexibility Hybrid work arrangement: 3 days onsite and 2 days remote per week. This position is based in Camden, NJ. Internal candidates who are currently assigned to a different reporting location may have the option to remain at their current reporting location, subject to business needs and manager approval. Experience & Education Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications or a related field. Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in support of marketing or corporate communications. Minimum of 2 years working directly with Customer Service, Customer Experience or similar customer‑oriented functional unit or department. Competencies Prioritizes & role models safety. Self‑awareness. Plans, aligns & directs. Drives results. Decision quality. Compensation & Benefits Posted range is $81,120‑133,380. The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), defined contribution plan, employee stock purchase plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs, and additional learning opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr