Group Vice President, Relate, Ruder Finn

Ruder Finn is seeking a highly qualified Group Vice President (GVP) to join our Relate team. At Relate, we integrate people, purpose, and policy by working collaboratively with businesses, governments, and NGOs. Our team develops and executes programs and communications that engage key audiences on critical topics such as environmental sustainability, social impact, advocacy, and public affairs.  

The GVP will have deep expertise in the energy/electric/utility industry and corporate reputation, public affairs, issues/crisis communications, and media relations to lead strategic counsel and execution for a portfolio of accounts. This leadership role will focus on managing complex communications needs in a highly visible and dynamic environment, serving as a key partner to the clients and within our agency team. 

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in high-stakes communications, be well-versed in the regulatory and media landscape, and demonstrate a passion for delivering impactful strategies under pressure.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Serve as the senior strategic advisor to clients on public affairs, reputation management, and crisis response 

• Lead the development and execution of high-impact communications strategies in response to evolving issues, including infrastructure updates, political developments, and public sentiment 

• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with media, government stakeholders, and community leaders 

• Provide proactive and reactive media relations counsel, including message development, press materials, media training, and interview preparation 

• Monitor emerging risks and issues, lead rapid response efforts, and manage crisis communications plans 

• Collaborate with internal client teams and executive leadership to align messaging with business objectives and public expectations 

• Identify opportunities for earned media and stakeholder engagement that reinforce client goals and transparency 

• Stay ahead of trends in energy, government policy, and public opinion that may impact the sector or client operations 

• Represent Ruder Finn’s values in client engagement, contributing to new business development and organic growth opportunities 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public affairs, political science, journalism, or a related field 

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in public relations, with a strong emphasis on public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations and experience working in the energy/electrical/utility vertical 

• Exceptional writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish is highly preferred 

• Deep knowledge of political, economic, and media landscape, with experience managing sensitive, high-profile issues 

• Demonstrated success in advising senior-level executives on complex communications strategies and media engagement 

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists, policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders 

• Passion for serving the public and navigating nuanced, multicultural contexts 

Benefits & More 

• You will receive a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity 

• You will also be able to enroll in our Health, Dental, Vision, company paid Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, as well as 401k (match) plan 

• Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, etc. 

• Generous PTO policy with paid maternity/paternity leave 

• Professional learning and development opportunities 

• Workplace flexibility 

• On-site and off-site social gatherings 

The anticipated salary range for this position, at the time of posting, is $130,000 – $160,000. The salary of the applicant selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, education, internal equity, geography, relevant years of experience, certifications, skills, abilities of the selected applicant, and other job-related qualifications. In addition, a range of medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and/or other benefits also are available by the company.