Manager, Corporate Communications

New York State Energy Research•Albany, NY

About The Position

The Manager, Corporate Communications participates in developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic, and proactive corporate communications program to build public awareness of NYSERDA’s objectives and accomplishments. The role helps integrate and coordinate program activities, events, and announcements for internal and external audiences. It calls for experience in executive remarks, public and media relations, and internal communications, along with strong project management, adaptability, initiative, and the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. The Manager fosters collaboration and maintains awareness of complex issues affecting NYSERDA, New York State, and the energy industry. The position works with program teams, communications leaders, internal departments, media outlets, and external stakeholders to develop and coordinate announcements and communications. Travel of 10–15% is required in support of media events and executive speaking engagements. The Manager must be available on call during off-hours, including nights and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of related experience working directly in a corporate or government communications or public relations department.
Communications experience in clean energy and building decarbonization, environmental justice, or finance sectors.
Excellent work ethic, integrity, attention to detail, commitment to high-quality and accurate work, and a team-first approach.
Ability to assess how NYSERDA decisions may affect public attitudes, apprise communications leaders of relevant factors, and help inform public-response decisions.
Ability to work effectively with news media, NYSERDA executives, colleagues in other state agencies, and industry stakeholders and organizations.
Excellent journalistic, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate persuasively, concisely, and clearly in speech and writing.
Ability to explain complex technical and organizational concepts in terms understandable to the news media and public, and a record of creative, proactive approaches to pitching news stories.
Strong project management skills, including working under pressure, meeting deadlines, managing multiple activities, delivering commitments, and making decisions with speed, accuracy, and sound judgment.
Availability to be on call during off-hours, including nights and weekends.
Proficiency with Microsoft O365 Suite, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and MS Teams, and comfort learning and using software applications and databases.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Three years’ experience in the clean energy and building decarbonization, environmental justice, or finance sectors.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead contact for assigned Authority programs and work with program staff to identify newsworthy announcements and potential media events.
Develop an in-depth understanding of program areas and draft press releases, talking points, conference and event briefing materials, and other public- and media-relations documents.
Develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and media outlets to develop newsworthy announcements.
Work with management to recommend and guide program teams on public relations efforts supporting NYSERDA positions and initiatives.
Coordinate with social media colleagues to develop and execute NYSERDA messaging across social media platforms.
Work with the Assistant Director of Communications on news releases, inquiry responses, and other media communications; coordinate with senior communications and government affairs leaders as needed on sensitive and significant issues.
Work with other departments to ensure communications meet professional standards for accuracy, clarity, and style.
Liaise with marketing, web, and social media departments to ensure consistency of message.
Build networks within NYSERDA and with other energy and environment agencies.
Perform other responsibilities as necessary.
Perform job responsibilities with respect, fairness, consistency, and inclusion.