Vice President-Communications

Primary Purpose

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Vice President of Communications is a senior leader responsible for developing and executing the company’s integrated communications strategy across internal and external audiences. This role ensures consistent, clear, and compelling messaging that supports business objectives, protects and enhances corporate reputation, and aligns with the company’s values and long-term growth strategy.

This position provides strategic counsel to executive leadership and oversees project and internal communications, media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, and brand and creative strategy.

Candidates should have an extensive knowledge of, and strong relationships across the energy industry.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive enterprise-wide communications strategy aligned with corporate objectives, operational priorities, and long-term growth.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across all channels, business units, and geographies.
• Lead internal communications strategy to engage, inform, and align employees across corporate and field operations.
• Oversee leadership communications, company performance messaging, safety communications, culture initiatives, and change management efforts.
• Partner with Human Resources and executive leadership to support employee engagement and organizational transformation.

External Communications & Public Affairs

• Oversee all external communications, including media relations, corporate announcements, thought leadership, and issues management.
• Act as a company spokesperson when appropriate and prepare executives for media interviews and public engagements.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response related to operational incidents, regulatory matters, or reputational risk.
• Manage relationships with media, industry associations, community stakeholders, and external communications vendor partners.

Brand, Creative & Content Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of the company’s brand strategy, visual identity, and storytelling across all platforms.
• Directly manage and mentor the Creative Director, ensuring creative output aligns with brand standards and strategic objectives
• Oversee the development of high-quality content, including digital, video, print, presentations, and executive materials.

Team & Budget Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing communications and creative team.
• Manage the communications budget, agencies, and external vendors to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure communications impact and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline.

Experience/Specific Knowledge

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive communications experience, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading internal and external communications within a complex, regulated organization.
• Demonstrated success in reputation management, media relations, and crisis communications.
• Experience managing senior creative or brand leaders, including a Creative Director or equivalent.
• Strong executive presence with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated superior leadership outcomes in the areas of leading self, leading others, and leading an organization.
• Proven ability to drive positive change and continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of successful, innovative leadership and delivery of performance results.
• Demonstrated success in managing large departmental budgets.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Teams, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Strong analysis, decision making, and logic skills.
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience, and skill sets of the successful candidate.

Physical Demands

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Travel ~50%
• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Yes

Preferred Education, Experience, Certifications, Competencies, Skills, & Abilities

Above the minimum requirements, not required but advantageous in this position:

• Advanced degree in Business Management, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.

Other Responsibilities

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

About Us

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.

EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.