Directs cross-functional communications work and partners with external project partner communications and project management teams, as well as the internal project management team, to align on and execute the established strategic direction, ensuring consistent messaging and timely execution across government affairs, regulatory affairs, real estate, grants, permitting/routing, technical teams, member services and other internal and external partners. As a senior individual contributor, this role independently develops, owns and leads communications strategy; serves as the principal project media relations representative; advises the Director, CEO and other executive leaders on media strategy, reputational risk and significant stakeholder issues; and directs coordinated issue response in high-profile and high-conflict settings.