Communications Lead, Strategic Programs
Posted Date: Aug 9, 2025
Location: Camden, NJ, US, 08102
Company: American Water Works Company Inc
Requisition ID: 108412
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People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.
American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Position Information
$81,120 - $133,380
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
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, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Primary Role
The Communications Lead is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive AW2030 internal communication and employee engagement strategies that directly align with the program's overall business goals, ensuring employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with this major transformative project. This role requires exceptional skills in internal and change communication, messaging, and engagement with diverse internal stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
- Working with Internal Communications staff, the Organizational Change Management, and Strategic Program, the Communications Lead will develop a change communication and engagement strategy for every phase of the AW2030 program, review and distribute key project-driven communications to support the goals of high-impact initiatives as assigned.
- Creates and oversees AW2030 strategic internal communication and engagement plan that addresses key program priorities, including change management, employee engagement, and culture-building around change readiness and adoption.
- Develops and deploys clear, concise, and impactful project-related messaging tailored to multiple employee audiences and communication channels.
- Is responsible for development and execution of the overall project communications calendar and leads execution of project-related communications and engagement activities
- Partners with Human Resources and Change Management teams to facilitate internal engagement and change communication strategies that enhance organizational readiness.
- Works independently, as well as part of a team to establish project deliverables.
- Reporting to the Vice President of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement, is a trusted advisor to internal clients offering guidance on project-related internal communications and engagement strategy and measuring/evaluating results.
- Collaborates closely with internal clients and stakeholders to drive the development of project-related internal communications.
- Monitors employee sentiment and feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other methods to inform project-related communication strategy adjustments.
- Maintains the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality, particularly when managing sensitive or proprietary information.
- Effectively leads and mentor’s Internal Communications specialist to execute the project-related communication plan.
Knowledge/Skills
- Clear sense of urgency and ownership to drive issues and tasks to completion.
- Strong understanding of project-based communications with experience in managing transformational initiatives.
- Superior written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Personal reputation for integrity, ethics and cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Must be able to take direction, adhere to a schedule and deliver in a timely fashion.
- Ability to interact and engage with all levels of employee contributors and management.
- Working knowledge of multimedia, design and print concepts.
- Solid experience using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate communication effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations.
- Must handle multiple projects with conflicting deadlines.
Experience/Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications or related field.
- 7-10 years of relevant experience in an internal/employee/change communications role.
Work Environment
Hybrid work schedule of at least 3 days in the office and no more than 2 days remote with an exceptional focus on timeliness and punctuality.
Travel Requirements
Up to 40% travel to drivable locations from Camden office. Flexibility and willingness to travel is required.
Competencies
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia