Municipal & Community Relations Manager

Description

• Identify and present politically sensitive issues and opportunities to department management that may positively or negatively impact the company. Recommend strategies to resolve issues or leverage opportunities and then deliver appropriate responses to stakeholders.
• Promote Avangrid’s volunteer program within the company and externally to community organizations. Lead organization of company sponsored employee volunteer events to support achievement of Avangrid’s volunteer goals.
• Participate in a leadership role in key local business, charitable, civic and economic development organizations representing the company to build a strong company brand in the community.
• Evaluate and recommend non-profit organizations for regional sponsorship, corporate donations and Avangrid Foundation donations. Coordinate with these organizations regarding donations and involvement at sponsored events and recognition ceremonies.
• Direct interaction with government, business and community leaders.
• Responsible for direct outreach and coordination with county emergency operations directors and personnel for initiatives required to meet regulatory compliance related to emergency preparedness. Participate in emergency exercises and provide training for assigned storm role. During emergency events manage a Public Liaison Officer team to ensure compliance with the Companies’ emergency response plan and scorecard metrics.
• Manage the outreach function with municipal, county and state government officials, government agencies and community organizations by serving as the primary point of contact to establish and maintain excellent relationships with these stakeholders. Outreach includes company issues, projects and initiatives.
• Serve as the economic development lead for business attraction projects and work collaboratively with relevant business areas to provide comprehensive proposals to secure new business customers and increase revenue. Support the achievement of economic development program objectives by presenting at key local and state level economic development meetings and serving on local economic develop boards to build awareness of the programs.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the electric and natural gas utility business and the NYSEG/RG&E service areas is preferred.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently.
• Ability to effectively interact with external stakeholders and senior management.
• Must have flexibility to travel.
• Ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities, including crisis management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Relevant experience includes customer service, business to business relationships, operations, public affairs, government affairs or communications.
• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience is preferred or an Associate’s Degree with 10 years’ relevant experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills with the ability to deliver consistent messages to multiple stakeholders.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance