Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Job Summary

This role will help lead the narrative development and public positioning of API and the oil and natural gas industry and drive strategic communications plans to advance API's integrated advocacy priorities across external channels. Working closely with API's senior executives, this role will develop strategic messaging materials, thought leadership opportunities and executive visibility strategies. The ideal candidate will provide outstanding messaging and media instincts with innovative ideas, creativity, policy fluency and editorial leadership to elevate the organization's voice externally and tell the industry's story in an evolving media landscape.

This role is suited for a high-performing communicator who thrives at the intersection of strategic communications and public policy-and who brings editorial rigor and sound judgment to every initiative.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Work cross-divisionally with policy, public affairs and API leadership to develop weekly, monthly and quarterly strategic messaging materials to ensure internal alignment and message consistency.
• Serve as editorial lead and quality control across key external communications outputs, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with messaging frameworks.
• Review and approve external communications products, including media and messaging materials, digital content and creative services.
• Engage with communications representatives from member companies to support a unified industry voice on priority issues.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans to elevate API executives across earned media, speaking engagements, editorial content and digital channels.
• Staff API executives for external engagements, including speaking events and media appearances.
• Help draft and provide team leadership to oversee high-impact and high-quality materials, including executive remarks, digital content, media statements, panel talking points, testimony, editorial and thought leadership content.
• Oversee executive visibility calendars and coordinate with external affairs colleagues to ensure integrated, high-leverage moments across platforms.
• Support API's earned media strategy by providing team direction and identifying proactive and reactive opportunities for executive amplification.
• Manage and mentor team members and external consultants supporting executive communications, message development, digital communications and creative services.

Key Relationships

• Reports to the Vice President of Communications
• Interfaces regularly with the President and CEO, senior leadership team, policy subject matter experts, and the broader external affairs organization.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in communications or public affairs roles, preferably in a corporate, government, or policy-focused environment.
• Strong background in executive communications and media relations, with demonstrated success supporting senior leaders in high-visibility roles.
• Outstanding editorial judgment and writing skills; ability to refine and elevate content across formats and channels.
• Experience in speechwriting, including remarks for formal events, conferences, or broadcast appearances.
• Familiarity with energy policy, regulatory frameworks, or adjacent policy domains preferred.
• Strong relationships with national and trade press; experience coordinating and coaching for high-profile interviews or public appearances.
• Confident decision-maker with an ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize across a complex stakeholder landscape.
• Proven ability to manage up, down, and across-collaborating with executives while also guiding junior contributors.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25%

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.

This salary range is DC based and may be adjusted accordingly due to candidate's geographic location. Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.