Municipal & Community Relations Manager

Iberdrola•Rochester, NY

10d•$106,000 - $132,500•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the primary point of contact with municipal officials and community organizations and agencies for an assigned area. It builds and leverages relationships to meet NYSEG and RG&E metrics related to company initiatives, large projects, and emergency preparedness, and resolves complex political issues to the satisfaction of the company and external stakeholders. The role leads outreach with government officials, agencies, and community organizations; coordinates emergency-preparedness initiatives; supports economic development and business attraction; represents the company in local organizations; and coordinates sponsorship, donation, and employee-volunteer activities. The position is office-based in Rochester, New York, five days per week, with flexibility to travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, or an associate degree with 10 years of relevant experience; the posting describes these qualifications as preferred.
Relevant experience may include customer service, business-to-business relationships, operations, public affairs, government affairs, or communications.
Direct interaction with government, business, and community leaders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to deliver consistent messages to multiple stakeholders.
Ability to interact effectively with external stakeholders and senior management.
Ability to manage multiple and changing priorities, including crisis management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
Flexibility to travel.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the electric and natural gas utility business and the NYSEG/RG&E service areas.

Responsibilities

Manage outreach to municipal, county, and state government officials, government agencies, and community organizations, serving as the primary contact and maintaining strong relationships.
Conduct outreach regarding company issues, projects, and initiatives.
Coordinate directly with county emergency operations directors and personnel on initiatives needed to meet regulatory emergency-preparedness requirements.
Participate in emergency exercises and provide training for the assigned storm role.
During emergency events, manage a Public Liaison Officer team to support compliance with the companies’ emergency response plan and scorecard metrics.
Lead economic development efforts for business attraction projects and collaborate with relevant business areas to develop proposals for prospective business customers and increase revenue.
Support economic development program objectives by presenting at local and state economic development meetings and serving on local economic development boards.
Represent the company in local business, charitable, civic, and economic development organizations to strengthen its community brand.
Identify and present politically sensitive issues and opportunities to department management, recommend strategies, and deliver appropriate stakeholder responses.
Evaluate and recommend nonprofit organizations for regional sponsorships, corporate donations, and Avangrid Foundation donations.
Coordinate donations and participation in sponsored events and recognition ceremonies with nonprofit organizations.
Promote Avangrid’s volunteer program internally and among community organizations.
Organize company-sponsored employee volunteer events to support Avangrid’s volunteer goals.