Manager - Communications

Iberdrola•Rochester, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Manages and executes communications programs supporting Rochester Gas & Electric’s business objectives, operations, customers, employees, and external stakeholders. Develops communications plans and materials and manages media relations, employee communications, digital content, and community-facing communications while maintaining consistent messaging and brand standards. Partners with Operations, Customer Service, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, and other internal functions. The role provides strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership and supports communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid’s New York utilities. It leads communications programs for RG&E and may serve as an authorized spokesperson for RG&E, NYSEG, and Avangrid. During emergencies, storms, and major operational events, the position may serve as Public Information Officer and coordinate response communications with internal and external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field, and at least seven years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience developing and editing corporate communications, including press releases, questions and answers, executive messaging, employee communications, and crisis communications.
Demonstrated written, verbal, editing, presentation, and project-management capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated judgment and ability to identify and escalate sensitive communications, reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder issues.
Ability to build effective relationships with leaders and cross-functional partners.
Experience managing employees, contractors, agencies, vendors, or complex projects, with knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn the electric and gas utility industry.
Ability to work nontraditional hours, including nights and weekends, during storms, emergencies, or other business-critical events.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the energy, utility, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
Experience supporting storm response, emergencies, crisis communications, or incident command.
Experience with media relations, digital communications, social media, and multimedia content.
Familiarity with New York utility stakeholders, regulatory matters, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications strategies for issues management, customer engagement, employee communications, and crisis response, aligned with Avangrid’s business objectives and enterprise priorities in New York.
Provide strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership, including communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid’s New York utilities.
Shape narratives that strengthen trust and protect company reputations in partnership with Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Customer Service, Operations, and Brand teams.
Lead RG&E communications programs covering media relations, public relations, crisis and issues communications, executive communications, social media, video and photo content, storytelling, and internal and external events.
Serve as an authorized spokesperson for RG&E, NYSEG, and Avangrid as needed, including responding to sensitive, high-profile, and crisis-related media inquiries.
Identify and develop storytelling, media relations, and public engagement opportunities highlighting infrastructure investments, employee expertise, customer benefits, operational achievements, and community impact.
Create and oversee multimedia content for digital and social media channels, including videos, photography, employee features, project spotlights, and field-based storytelling.
Support communications related to regulatory proceedings, infrastructure projects, reliability initiatives, public policy matters, customer programs, and community engagement throughout New York.
Manage relationships with external agencies, vendors, media partners, and key community and business organizations.
Coordinate with Avangrid communications teams to align enterprise messaging, stakeholder engagement priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.
Serve as Public Information Officer during emergencies, storms, and major operational events, leading communications response efforts and coordinating with emergency management agencies, municipal leaders, regulators, customers, and media.
Support storm preparedness, response, and restoration communications by developing customer, employee, executive, media, and stakeholder messaging; coordinating media briefings; supporting communications within the incident command structure; and helping ensure accurate, timely, consistent information.