Closes:

March 19, 2026

Job Description

The Corporate Communications Program Manager holds a pivotal role within the organization, overseeing both internal and external communication and outreach programs across diverse stakeholder groups and communication channels. Internally, they craft communication strategies, foster engagement, raise awareness about critical topics and initiatives, and manage crisis communications. Externally, they handle public relations and lead efforts to enhance customer engagement and experience for utility and corporate programs, products, and services.

Additionally, this position actively contributes as a strategic member of project and issues management teams. Their responsibilities encompass ensuring alignment across departments, safeguarding brand reputation, mitigating risks, and contributing to organizational success by shaping perception and operational effectiveness. Their ultimate goal is to align communication strategy with business priorities, facilitate informed decision-making, and enhance company goodwill—all while upholding consistency with the corporate mission and values.

Responsibilities

- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, executives, partners, and media.

- Develop and implement communication strategies for internal and external audiences.

- Manage communication projects, timelines, budgets, vendors, and performance metrics.

- Monitor communication trends, technologies, and industry developments to inform strategy.

- Provides strategic counsel on communications, earned media, and marketing strategies for Avista’s business lines and initiatives.

- Creates content for a variety of audiences and channels, such as press releases, website content, annual reports, presentations, social media posts, and emails.

- Serves as company spokesperson and contact for media inquiries.

Requirements

Communication Program Manager I:

- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or other related field is required.

- Three (3) years of related experience in a communications support role.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills while working with internal and external stakeholders.

- Sound writing skills and ability to communicate complex topics effectively for multiple audiences.

- Experience with compiling and crafting compelling communication materials and marketing content.

- Demonstrated creative and strategic thinking complemented with a bias for action.

- Ability to suggest new ideas and solutions, solve problems creatively, and develop new ideas and approaches to unusual or difficult situations.

- Highly accountable and driven to success in a fast-paced environment.

- Good judgment and interpersonal skills.

- Able to effectively work with a variety of organizations, management levels, cultures, and personalities in a professional and trusted way.

- Experience delivering thorough, strategic communication programs with a customer focus. Keen understanding of corporate risk management.

- Self-starter who can identify, evaluate, and execute effective communication programs for complex and sometimes controversial topics.

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486 ML 8

Communication Program Manager II

- Five (5) years of related experience in communication, and/or marketing program management.

- Demonstrated creative and innovative thinking skills. Ability to act as a thought leader on communication practices.

- Manage multiple communication programs of medium to high complexity from concept through final implementation.

- Manage schedules and hold others accountable to commitments. Ability to alert stakeholders in advance of challenges or delays.

- Demonstrated ability to interact personably and diplomatically with staff at all levels, including company executives and highly technical subject matter experts.

- Ability to work with multiple senior executives as a coach and counsel to ensure communications are aligned and coordinated and support the culture and direction of the company and its strategies.

- Experience handling confidential information.

- Ability to influence others and give advice that demonstrates an understanding of a team, business strategy, and leadership style.

- Manage advanced writing assignments such as speeches, announcements, and scripts for senior management.

- Ability to deal with ambiguity and create frameworks and plans to solve unstructured problems.

- Experience facilitating media interviews.

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838; ML 9

Communication Program Manager III

- Seven (7) years of related experience in communication, and/or marketing program management

- An advanced degree (MBA, MA) is preferred.

- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex communication programs with little oversight.

- Experience serving on crisis communication teams.

- Requires a high degree of demonstrated judgment, discretion, and critical thinking.

- Provide work coaching and leadership for other corporate communications team members.

- Foster a positive work environment where people can thrive, do their best work, and feel appreciated and recognized.

- Responsible for all communications channels internally and externally, as well as developing and managing governance for communications.

- Experience acting as company spokesperson.

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496; ML 10

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered. Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane Washington, headquarters, at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager. To Apply

We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile

. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review.

No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

- Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage

- Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match

- Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions

- Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation

- Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind

- Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health

- Education and development support including tuition assistance

- Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact

- Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $77,595 to $162,614. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com

. Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.