Manager External Communication

North American Electric Reliability Corporation

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Manager, External Communication is a key member of NERC’s Communications team and plays a critical role in advancing NERC’s mission to assure the reliability, resilience, and security of the North American bulk power system. The person in this role is responsible for leading and executing high-quality external-facing communications that engage, inform, and educate stakeholders on NERC’s priorities and initiatives. This position requires a dependable self-starter who exercises sound judgment, operates independently, and balances strategic thinking with hands-on leadership. The Manager, External Communications, will lead a collaborative team, manage competing priorities, and build strong cross-departmental relationships to ensure communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with NERC’s strategic priorities. This position reports to the Director, External Communications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
Five-to-10 years of experience in a communications, public affairs, or public relations environment. Experience working in the electric industry or with the media is a plus but not required.
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills with the ability to produce publication-ready material.
Strong judgment and attention to detail.
Demonstrated leadership skills and initiative.
Ability to comprehend highly technical subject matter and translate it into clear, accessible language for external audiences.
Proven ability to work in a collaborative, service-oriented team environment.
Proven ability to gain trust quickly and maintain confidentiality and credibility within the company, throughout industry, and when dealing with the media.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Optimizely content management system is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Plan, lead, and execute innovative external communications activities in support of NERC’s strategic plan, priorities, and major initiatives, leveraging appropriate channels aimed at informing and engaging stakeholders.
Oversee the development of external-facing communications, including articles, statements, media releases, messaging, talking points, and digital content, and ensuring accuracy and clarity in alignment with the Communications Strategic Plan.
Lead and manage a team—Digital Content Specialist, two Communications Specialists—setting priorities, reviewing work, providing feedback, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work.
Coordinate with External Affairs teams, including Internal Communications, Publications, Digital Content, and Stakeholder Engagement, to support consistent communications that elevate the NERC message and promote key events, initiatives, speaking engagements, testimony, etc.
Partner closely with NERC’s subject matter experts and the communicators in NERC’s six Regional Entities to develop and implement effective communications strategies.
Coordinate with NERC’s Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) to ensure alignment with NERC communications messaging and policies. Handle all media inquiries on behalf of E-ISAC.
Support the Director, External Communications by assessing communications needs, recommending approaches, and developing targeted communications plans with clear timelines.
Analyze communications performance metrics and use insights to refine messaging, tactics, and strategies over time.
Oversee compilation of daily news monitoring and assist with media inquiries, tracking, and lists.
Develop and coordinate year-end and other summary communications reports, as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.