Sr. Manager, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in global energy.

AES is accelerating the energy transition to a lower carbon world with sustainable and affordable power. The Company is a global leader in energy storage and is quickly becoming one of the leading developers of solar and wind projects in the Americas. Additionally, AES has embarked on numerous digital initiatives over the past few years, including deployment of AI and machine learning, to enhance performance at existing businesses and to develop new products for our customers. At AES, we raise the quality of life around the world by changing the way energy works. Everyone makes an impact every day in our small, global teams.

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region leads locally tailored engagement for energy infrastructure and multi-technology campus development across the Central Region, with a primary focus on Texas. The role supports projects from prospecting through development, permitting, construction and execution, with near-term emphasis on projects in active execution and continuity through transition to Operations. Depending on project scope, campuses may integrate generation, storage, data centers or other large-load infrastructure; configurations are project-specific.

As a key representative of AES, this position serves as a bridge with local communities, fostering positive interactions between the company and the community. The Sr. Manager functions as a local spokesperson for the organization, taking on external responsibilities to elevate AES' presence and reputation within the region.

This role is a people leader responsible for empowering, inspiring and developing a talented regional team of industry-leading engagement professionals. The successful candidate will be a transformational leader who builds team capability, creates an inclusive and high-performing environment, and helps team members grow while delivering strong results.

The role also provides expert guidance and support to the team, leveraging deep knowledge in community relations to drive performance toward strategic objectives. The breadth of engagement extends beyond local communities to include customer counterparts, unions, nonprofits, local governments, EPC partners, industry associations, economic development organizations and local news organizations, among others.

The successful candidate has demonstrated experience designing and executing community benefit agreements and other benefit structures, and cultivating innovative, responsive and meaningful partnerships in service of local communities and responsible infrastructure development.

Job Functions

People Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach and develop a talented team of stakeholder engagement professionals, setting clear priorities and expectations while empowering team members to make decisions, grow their capabilities and deliver industry-leading engagement.

• Foster an inspiring, inclusive and high-performing culture; provide timely feedback and development opportunities; and apply a transformational leadership approach to strengthen the team for current and future business needs.

Strategic Community Engagement

• Develop and execute local engagement plans for Central Region energy projects and campuses across prospecting, site and acquisition diligence, early planning, development, permitting, construction and execution, with a particular emphasis on Texas.

• Support stakeholder and community diligence for potential new projects AES may seek to acquire.

• Advise project teams on community needs, stakeholder relationships and near- and long-term risks, aligning engagement with project milestones and responsible development.

• Build cross-functional alignment with Development, Permitting, Execution, Finance, Legal, Government Relations, Operations, Communications and other relevant internal teams.

• Coordinate with customers and development partners on engagement strategies, siting considerations and stakeholder expectations.

• Translate community insight into feasible responses and clear engagement responsibilities across interconnected projects and technologies.

• Manage engagement spending and resources within approved processes and oversee relevant consultants or agencies when requested.

• Mobilize coalitions of individuals and organizations to demonstrate support for AES' energy projects.

Local Policy and Inclusive Participation

• Maintain informed understanding of Texas and relevant state, municipal and local-level political landscapes, in coordination with AES' Government Relations team. Build professional, nonpartisan relationships with elected officials and staff, regulators, trade and business groups, community and educational organizations, and public and private institutions. Monitor local proceedings and support transparent public participation and appropriate project advocacy.

• Engage a broad and diverse local audience through respectful, culturally competent consultation, including underrepresented communities. Conduct Indigenous engagement where applicable, consistent with the AES Voluntary Tribal Engagement Policy. Create accessible opportunities to understand concerns and influence engagement planning.

• Maintain accessible, responsive inquiry and notification channels. Listen, document feedback, communicate timely responses, and work with project teams and partners to resolve concerns. Escalate unresolved issues appropriately and communicate outcomes to stakeholders, maintaining continuity as projects move into execution.

Community Benefit Agreements and Social Impact Partnerships

• Cultivate innovative, responsive and meaningful local partnerships through the AES Social Impact Program.

• Lead the design and implementation of community benefit agreements and other community benefit structures. Listen and co-design with local stakeholders and relevant partners, assess feasible benefits with project teams, and negotiate and structure agreements in alignment with AES' Social Impact Program and compliance requirements. Ensure partnerships are ethical, and the long-term benefits serve community priorities and responsible development and are not an exchange for public support or approvals.

• Implement agreed commitments, track accountability and outcomes, and report progress in adherence to internal and external reporting requirements.

• Coordinate outreach and volunteer activities where relevant and aligned with company and community priorities.

Stakeholder Intelligence and Accountability

• Maintain accurate stakeholder lists, interaction records, feedback, commitments and engagement reporting using designated CRM tools.

• Analyze local sentiment, social and traditional media, and emerging political or community issues to identify near- and long-term risks and opportunities.

• Lead stakeholder risk management and communications across the project lifecycle, including issue escalation and executive-facing risk reporting.

• Provide practical guidance to project teams and maintain transparent, accountable engagement across assigned projects.

Economic Development, Communications and Events

• Apply understanding of economic development and tax incentive structures relevant to Texas and assigned state energy and large infrastructure development.

• Support the negotiation and approval of relevant economic and tax incentives, alongside relevant internal team members and external consultants and partners.

• Partner with Communications to develop clear, locally tailored, multichannel project information, advocacy materials, talking points, presentations and public displays.

• Coordinate construction messaging and local media opportunities, explain relevant issues and support issue and crisis communications with the responsible teams.

• Plan and deliver public meetings, community events, virtual engagement and site visits, including preparation, presentations and follow-up.

• Represent AES professionally in business, government and community settings, advancing informed dialogue and practical collaboration.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates AES values: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field such as community engagement, advocacy, public relations, public affairs, environmental studies, communications, local government or a similar field. Required.

• Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration or a related field. Preferred.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 9 years of related work experience in stakeholder engagement or a similar field.

• Previous people-management experience, including responsibility for coaching, developing and leading teams, is required.

• Extensive experience with advocacy and engaging with diverse, thriving communities of all sizes.

• Familiarity with applicable government and regulatory requirements, present-day issues and community dynamics.

Required Skills and Abilities

• People leadership: Advanced. Empower, inspire, coach and develop a high-performing team; build capability, foster inclusion and lead transformational change.

• Advocacy: Advanced

• Political literacy: Advanced

• Economic development and incentives: Advanced

• Complex infrastructure development: Advanced

• Community benefit agreements and Social Impact: Advanced

• Cross-functional and partner collaboration: Advanced

• Inclusive community engagement: Advanced

• Analysis, records and accountability: Advanced

• Public speaking: Advanced

• Communications: Advanced

• Utilize digital tools: Advanced

Licenses and Certifications - Preferred

• Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

• Certified Public Relations (CPR) Accreditation

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Strategic Communication Certificate Program - Accreditation from PRSA

• Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying - Offered by Public Affairs Council

• Certificate in Public Affairs Management - Offered by Public Affairs Council

• Certificate in PAC & Grassroots Management - Offered by Public Affairs Council

Training - Preferred

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Training - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Community Engagement Fundamentals - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Public Relations and Communications Training - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Leadership Development Training - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Negotiation Training - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Advocacy and Coalition Building - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• Digital Engagement Training - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

• AI tools - Classroom instructor-led, virtual or in-person.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be exposed to the following physical demands:

• Frequent travel and field engagement

• Standing and walking for extended periods

• Using stairs or ladders in relevant settings

• Carrying light-to-moderate engagement equipment or materials

Working Environment

Work occurs indoors and outdoors, including offices, community centers, project communities and construction sites. Frequent field travel is expected across the assignment. Anticipated travel is 30-50%.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

About Us

Accelerating the future of energy, together

Our people are our energy and have transformed AES into the type of energy company that the world needs today and in the future. Coming from all walks of life, our people share a passion for improving lives by advancing the energy sector through innovation, collaboration and action.

We are working in an industry that requires new thinking and ways of working together to create solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable, not just one or the other.

We are looking for passionate people to join us in our mission to accelerate the future of energy.

Are you ready to join us? www.aes.com/careers