Manager, Digital Communications

Overview

The Digital Communications Manager is a creative, results-driven communicator responsible for strengthening the digital presence and influence of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. This role leads API’s organic digital strategy, supporting advocacy campaigns, executive visibility, rapid response and issue-driven communications. Focused on shaping public discourse and expanding API’s reach, the manager develops and executes multi-platform social and owned-media strategies that position API as a thought leader on energy, policy and national priorities.

The role owns and manages API’s digital platforms, ensuring consistency, discipline and impact across channels. Working closely with the media relations team, the manager reinforces external narratives, extends earned media, and drives a unified story across digital and traditional outlets. The position integrates video, creative and emerging digital tactics to amplify advocacy efforts and drive engagement both inside the Beltway and nationwide.

This is a highly collaborative position that reports into API’s Communications team and works closely across Government Affairs, Policy, Economics, and Regulatory Affairs to support integrated advocacy campaigns.

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive social media strategies that support API’s cross-channel organic communication efforts and align with external messaging.
• Own and manage API’s digital platforms, including social media channels and owned media, with clear accountability for performance, consistency and quality.
• Shape and execute API’s digital video strategy, identifying opportunities to elevate executive thought leadership, explain complex policy issues, and extend the lifecycle of earned media and advocacy campaigns across platforms.
• Partner closely with the media relations and rapid response team to extend earned media narratives, reinforce key messages in real time, and ensure coordination between digital and traditional media.
• Write and edit clear, compelling, on-brand copy across platforms; collaborate with creative services to produce high-impact visual, video, and multimedia content for Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Linked In, You Tube and emerging channels.
• Develop and maintain integrated digital content calendars supporting press engagement, executive visibility, rapid response and issue-based campaigns.
• Design and implement social listening and monitoring strategies to identify emerging narratives, policy debates and reputational risks affecting the industry.
• Oversee content quality and accuracy on API’s website to ensure timely, engaging and stakeholder-focused communication.
• Identify and deploy innovative digital tactics and formats to modernize storytelling and strengthen API’s thought leadership online.
• Collaborate with communication and public affairs leads to align digital strategy with the broader media and messaging ecosystem.
• Drive meaningful engagement with priority audiences, including media, policymakers, influencers, member companies and industry stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging platforms, tools, and technologies to inform long-term digital strategy and expand API’s digital footprint.
• Analyze performance metrics and KPIs to optimize content, refine strategy, and demonstrate impact against organizational goals.
• Ensure all organic digital content is current, action-oriented, informative, and aligned with API’s voice and advocacy objectives.
• Prepare and deliver strategic briefings and presentations to senior leadership and internal stakeholders to align teams and demonstrate digital impact.

• Working across the Communications and Public Affairs teams.
• Reports directly to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications.

• Requires 5-7 years of experience in a similar role and subject matter expertise.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of digital communications experience including at least 2 years in a social media role.
• Short-form video production knowledge and experience a plus.
• Familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Meta Business…