Associate Community Relations Specialist

Eversource Energy•Dorchester, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direct supervision, responsible for assisting with developing and maintaining favorable relationships with the surrounding community. Assist with implementing and coordinating programs to promote good will by disseminating information to the community and soliciting feedback from stakeholders. Participate in the organization's charitable giving programs as they affect community initiatives. May work with senior level consultants to represent Eversource at community gatherings or forums. HYBRID WORK POLICY Eversource supports work-life balance by offering hybrid schedules for certain roles. Eligibility is based on job responsibilities, operational needs, nature of work and team dynamics. Current guidelines require employees to work at least three days in the office, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the third day set by the employee and supervisor based on department needs. These guidelines apply to roles approved for remote work and are subject to change,  based on managerial discretion and work performance. All applicants must be able to work up to five days in the office if needed (for example: emergencies, training, or other business needs) or should the policy change.

Requirements

Knowledge of municipal, state and regional government as well as the regulatory process.
Knowledge of utility business, regulatory, and energy supply issues.
Knowledge of crisis communication and media relations.
Ability to use PC desktop applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, company outage management systems, Skype).
Ability to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to support and promote company initiatives.
Ability to produce and deliver reports and presentations to internal and external partners.
Interpersonal skills and the ability to work with confidential information with integrity.
Written and verbal communication skills necessary to present and share information with internal and external audiences.
Collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in political environments.
Ability to interact effectively with customers, environmental groups and community-based organizations
Ability to get along well with all levels of management and government officials.
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public/Government Administration, or related discipline or equivalent experience.
Zero (0) to three (3) years’ experience in community relations, customer care or government relations.
Requires experience preparing and delivering presentations.
Valid motor vehicle license is required.
Must be available to work emergency storm assignment as required.
Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
Extended work hours during emergency preparedness and significant events.
On-call media and emergency response responsibilities require night and weekend availability.
Evening work is expected to attend public hearings, town and city council meetings, business association meetings and company sponsored events.
Frequent travel within assigned territory and to utility facilities and communities within Eversource Service Area (CT, MA and NH).
A safe, reliable vehicle is required.
Frequent motor vehicle travel during the day and night in all weather conditions.
Expected to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
Though expected to work independently, extremely supportive, team-based environment.
Must be comfortable leveraging mobile technologies to work remotely as needed.
Communicates governmental, regulatory and technical issues with public officials in public and political forums to effectively address emergent issues, public concerns and resolve customer problems.
General understanding of utility operations, electric distribution and transmission systems, customer care, emergency preparedness, energy efficiency, energy markets, rates and regulations. and company policies and procedures.
Collaboration with all corporate organizations, including Corporate Communications, Governmental Affairs, Media Relations, Electric and Gas Operation and Transmission; Regulatory Affairs.

Responsibilities

Assists with implementing Community Relations strategies for community and municipal outreach and relationship development; emergency preparedness and response; local economic development; corporate giving; and employee engagement, volunteerism, and business membership activities.
May assist with representing Eversource to constituents, leaders and communities by helping to support initiatives, proposals, concerns or issues related to the company’s reputation.
Assists with supporting various internal partners to move projects towards successful outcomes while balancing company and community needs during large and small-scale project meetings, municipal project briefings, and town/city council, board, commission, committee and other municipal organization meetings.
May participate with identifying corporate giving opportunities within assigned territory and at local levels.
Facilitates connections across internal departments and with external partners.
Ensures timely and effective communications with municipal leaders on siting, permitting, construction and maintenance activities which may involve transmission, distribution, vegetation and reliability projects.
Assists with monitoring and analyzing local government policy changes, elections, city and town ordinances, board, and council activities and serves as liaison with Eversource colleagues to ensure timely awareness and participation.
Proactively builds relationships with essential community, private and non-profit agencies and organizations.