Senior Specialist, Project Engagement (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Hartford, CT

22h•$115,690 - $128,540•Hybrid

About The Position

Eversource is seeking a Senior Specialist, Project Engagement in Hartford, CT. This role operates within a project-based, matrixed organization, collaborating with project teams, subject matter experts (SMEs), other departments, and external stakeholders. The primary responsibility is to develop and manage stakeholder outreach strategies and tactics for Transmission and other right-of-way (ROW) work. This includes leading the coordination, timing, and execution of specialized stakeholder outreach plans and managing a team of field outreach representatives who serve as liaisons between stakeholders and project teams. The role ensures clear, consistent, and aligned messaging to property owners, municipal officials, and other key stakeholders regarding construction, maintenance, and other activities within the Company’s ROWs. A key aspect of this role is managing and mitigating risks to project scope, schedule, and cost arising from stakeholder intervention. Project support may be required in any of the three states within Eversource’s footprint, with primary responsibilities focused in Connecticut.

Requirements

Strong leadership capabilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong ability to provide both strategic insight and perform detail-based analysis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven track record in planning, coordinating, and managing various projects
Ability to interact effectively with property owners, businesses, municipal officials, business organizations, environmental groups, and community-based organizations
Basic understanding of Federal and state siting and permitting requirements
Foundational understanding of transmission and distribution rights of way and building of related facilities
Minimum of five to eight years utility, community outreach, project management or related experience
Valid motor vehicle license is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in management and oversight of contractors
Experience in managing contracts and reviewing invoices
Bilingual English / Spanish
Stakeholder relationship-building, personnel management and team building experience

Responsibilities

Create and manage the implementation of specific outreach strategies and tactics for multiple Transmission and/or Distribution projects and other work activities in Eversource rights of way, engaging with stakeholders including property owners, municipal officials, regulators, legislators, and advocacy groups, in collaboration with SMEs from departments like Community Relations, Corp Communications, Media Relations, Gov’t Affairs, Regulatory, Environmental, and Real Estate.
Provide day-to-day oversight of multiple field outreach representatives (contractors), including managing their contracts and approving monthly invoices. Guide field outreach representatives in developing and executing outreach strategies for planned right-of-way and/or station project activities.
Manage escalated stakeholder issues, providing guidance on responses and ensuring resolution, while keeping upper management and other affected stakeholders informed to minimize project risk and prevent further escalation.
Participate in field constructability reviews and site walkdowns to assess project risks and community impacts, assist in developing impact mitigation plans and outreach strategies, determine required outreach support levels, and assign resources.
Coordinate Project Impact Mitigation and ROW Coordination processes with Project Leads to ensure consistent messaging for all stakeholders (municipal, NGOs, property owners, etc.). Lead ROW Work Coordination meetings for the Transmission and Distribution organization, bringing together representatives from various disciplines to coordinate upcoming ROW activities.
Manage project-related interactions with local elected officials and municipal staff, collaborating with Community Relations to identify opportunities to address municipal project concerns.
Develop project-specific messaging and materials for affected property owners, municipal leaders, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with Corporate messaging. Manage the timing of release for project collateral materials, web pages, and correspondence.
Ensure compliance with non-regulatory commitments and agreements made with affected stakeholders regarding property or business owner impacts, restoration, work hours, potential business interruption, and property damage.
Collaborate with Company subject matter experts (Project Management, Siting, Environmental, Real Estate, Construction, Community Relations) to develop presentations and project materials.
Manage notification of municipal and safety officials, local residents, and media (through Media Relations) regarding impacts of significant events like splice implosions, auto-transformer deliveries, helicopter wire stringing, and blasting.
Manage the development of “focus area” lists to anticipate and address property and community impacts, issues, concerns, inquiries, and complaints from abutting property owners, residents, businesses, and NGOs during construction or other project work.
Manage the public logistics for permitting and siting hearings and related processes conducted by local and/or state siting councils/boards.
Work with Project Management to manage ongoing training for all field contractors (survey, environmental, construction, etc.) on project standards for public interactions, permitting/siting requirements, local agreements, and accommodations.
Mitigate project-related issues concerning property damage, perceived property value impacts, and business interruption by utilizing the established dispute resolution process or working with Legal and Insurance for claims resolution.