Senior Specialist, Project Engagement (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Hartford, CT

1d•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 Team members, subject matter experts (SMEs), other Eversource departments, and external stakeholders. The primary responsibility is to develop and manage stakeholder outreach strategies and tactics in support of Transmission and other right of way (ROW) work. This includes developing and managing the coordination, timing, and execution of specialized stakeholder outreach plans and overseeing a team of field outreach representatives who act as liaisons between stakeholders and Project Teams/SMEs for a portfolio of projects. The role also involves leading internal coordination of construction, maintenance, and other activities within Company ROWs to ensure clear, consistent, and aligned messaging to property owners, municipal officials, and other key stakeholders. A critical function is managing and mitigating risks to project scope, schedule, and cost arising from stakeholder intervention. While project support may be needed in any of Eversource’s three states, the primary responsibilities for this position are in Connecticut. The role requires availability for emergency storm assignments and travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

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 preferred
Experience in managing contracts and reviewing invoices preferred
Bilingual English / Spanish preferred but not required
Stakeholder relationship-building, personnel management and team building experience preferred

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, applicable to all stakeholders including property owners, municipal officials, regulators, legislators, and advocacy groups, collaborating with respective SMEs.
Provide day-to-day oversight of multiple field outreach representatives (contractor), including oversight of their contracts and review/approval of monthly invoices.
Work with field outreach representatives on development and execution of outreach strategies and tactics for planned right of way and/or station project activities.
Provide guidance on response to escalated stakeholder issues and manage these issues to resolution, updating upper management and other interested and affected stakeholders as appropriate.
Participate in field constructability reviews/site walkdowns to assess project risk and property/community impacts, and aid in the development of impact mitigation plans, outreach strategy, and associated tactics; assess required level of outreach support; and assign resources.
Coordinate Project Impact Mitigation and ROW Coordination processes with Project Leads and others to ensure consistency of messaging for all stakeholders.
Lead ROW Work Coordination meetings on behalf of the Transmission and Distribution organization, bringing together representatives from applicable disciplines across the Company to discuss and coordinate upcoming ROW activities.
Manage Project-related interactions with local elected and other officials, working with Community Relations and others as needed; and maintain communications with municipal leaders to identify opportunities/means to address municipal project-related concerns.
Develop project-specific, nuanced messaging and related materials for affected property owners, municipal leaders, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with Corporate messaging.
Develop and manage timing of release of all project-based collateral materials, Project web pages (as needed), and correspondence to affected stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with non-regulatory commitments and agreements made with affected stakeholders.
Work with Company subject matter experts to develop necessary presentations and project materials to support liaison responsibilities.
Manage notification of municipal and safety officials, local residents and media regarding impacts of high-profile events.
Manage development of “focus area” lists to anticipate and accommodate property and community impacts, issues, concerns, inquiries, and complaints.
Manage the public logistics associated with permitting and siting hearings, as appropriate, and related processes conducted by local and/or state siting councils/boards as required.
Work with Project Management and manage ongoing training of all field contractors to ensure their compliance with project standards related public interactions, permitting/siting requirements, local municipal agreements, and individual residential and business accommodations.
Mitigate project-related issues regarding property damage, perceived property value impacts, business interruption and other concerns using the established dispute resolution process and/or work with Legal and Insurance as needed.