Principal Communications Consultant (Wildfire)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A  position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

The Principal Communications Consultant of Wildfire leads strategic planning and delivery of high-impact, high visibility communications across assigned business areas. Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing consultation and direction on initiatives with enterprise-wide visibility. Operates autonomously to drive alignment, influence decision-making, and deliver measurable outcomes. Oversees large-scale programs and special initiatives, ensuring integration across jurisdictions and business functions.

This is a senior level individual contributor role supporting Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Risk Management group. The candidate should have extensive experience in strategic, crisis and emergency management communications, ideally including experience as a Public Information Officer and/or in leading crisis response. This is both an internal and external communications role, where the candidate will develop and implement communications strategies, advise internal leaders and work collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners to educate the public about wildfire risk and mitigation strategies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Strategic Communication & Influence

  • Leads development and delivery of strategic communications that support business area goals and mitigate reputational risk.

  • Actively engages and advises senior leaders, presenting recommendations and insights that shape decisions.

  • Independently develops and delivers training and communications for broad audiences beyond immediate team.

  • Proactively identifies gaps and opportunities, crafting solutions to complex communication challenges.

• Enterprise Strategy & Planning

  • Facilitates strategic planning with leaders, integrating business unit strategies across functions.

  • Owns end-to-end execution of large-scale initiatives, applying tools like SWOT to challenge assumptions and set priorities.

  • Partners cross-functionally to ensure alignment with enterprise objectives and monitor progress against outcomes.

  • Leads high-visibility programs with limited oversight, ensuring delivery of impactful results.

• Project Leadership & Analytics

  • Manages complex, cross-functional projects from planning through execution, often with enterprise-wide impact.

  • Leverages systems and data to develop metrics and dashboards that inform strategy and measure success.

  • Applies creative problem-solving to resolve issues where precedent may not exist.

  • Oversees budget planning and alignment with financial goals in partnership with operational teams.

• Leadership & Collaboration

  • Coaches and mentors others, delegating assignments on high-profile initiatives.

  • May provide direction and training to team members and stakeholders.

  • Builds strong partnerships across HR, communications, and business units to drive outcomes.

  • Champions a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least ten years related experience in corporate or agency setting with demonstrated leadership in strategic planning and execution.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and work on multiple projects.
• Experience in communications with demonstrated ability to deliver effective and strategic messages to audiences ranging from front line employees to senior executives.
• Experience leveraging technology.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in project management.
• Demonstrated ability to meet business and financial objectives.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,600.00 to $138,600.00 per year

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation.  You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 04/27/26

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

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