Did Sempra Energy’s San Onofre debacle have anything to do with the company’s search for a communications director versed in “thought leadership”?

Beset by attacks and controversies over everything from soaring electric bills to the high costs of closing the San Onofre nuclear power plant and a chronically leaking gas plant up in Los Angeles, San Diego–based Sempra Energy is looking for a public relations honcho for its San Diego Gas & Electric subsidiary.

According to a job post on the online career website LinkedIn, the company’s new communications director is supposed to “develop, implement and communicate corporate strategy and key messages to a wide variety of audiences in clear language, using a variety of communications tactics.” Gaining more kudos for SDG&E is also on the agenda for the eventual employee, who will “support company visibility efforts, including but not limited to social journalism, thought leadership, speaking opportunities and awards programs.”

In addition to having “experience as a media spokesperson,” Sempra is seeking someone with the “ability to understand different audiences, their needs and potential reactions to communications strategies, and corporate intranets.” Also: “Bilingual in Spanish a plus.”

Meanwhile, Sempra has been spending heavily to spread its will at San Diego’s city hall, paying out $83,986 to influence the final draft of mayor Kevin Faulconer’s so-called climate action plan, according to a January 29 disclosure report on file with the city clerk’s office.