Public Affairs Manager

$127,000 - $140,000/Yr

National Grid - Melville, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Melville, NY

Utilities

About the position

The Public Affairs Manager at National Grid is a strategic role focused on managing community relations, local government interactions, and enhancing the company's reputation in Long Island. This position serves as the primary external representative of National Grid, advocating for community needs and interests while supporting the company's communications strategy and economic development initiatives. The role is critical in fostering strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring effective community engagement, particularly in the context of the energy transition.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accountability for the two-way relationship between National Grid and the communities served.
• Oversee and strategically drive community relations activities in support of business goals.
• Advocate for the needs and interests of communities to internal departments and leadership.
• Efficiently deploy company resources to achieve strategic goals.
• Collaborate with internal groups to deliver first-class customer service.
• Represent National Grid on organizational boards to enhance relationships and advocate on key issues.
• Support the development and implementation of proactive strategies for stakeholder relationships.
• Manage the interests of industry and business associations, environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
• Deploy key campaign strategies and community initiatives to promote National Grid's interests.
• Coordinate with the Communications team on media and public relations matters.
• Support local community investments and align giving programs with company priorities.
• Collaborate with the Economic Development team to maximize grant programs.
• Engage in key internal operational and regulatory initiatives.
• Build and maintain coalitions in New York to advance company priorities.
• Monitor and advise on local issues and trends to influence senior executives.
• Lead regional external coordination of emergency management response plans.
• Educate local communities on energy efficiency and customer assistance programs.
• Liaise with the Customer team regarding strategic accounts.
• Execute strategies to develop key stakeholder relationships and solidify external reputation.
• Support stakeholder management group in managing community expectations during infrastructure upgrades.
• Advance the company's policy agenda with key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, public relations, communications, finance, economics or political science.
• Minimum of five years' direct experience in public relations.
• Demonstrated success in external affairs and/or lobbying activity.
• Experience interacting with senior executives internally and externally.
• Substantive experience in collaboration and strategic connecting with stakeholders.
• Experience with successful Corporate Giving programs and their governance.
• Strong management skills and excellent verbal, digital, written, and narrative communications skills.
• Demonstrable network on Long Island and understanding of local issues and key stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of the business community in New York State.
• Knowledge of NYS policies and processes impacting business.
• Experience in crisis or external emergency management.
• Understanding of the environment and key external stakeholders in the utilities sector.
• Resiliency and ability to affect change while aligning with strategic goals.
• Exceptional networking skills to influence and negotiate with external stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• Engagement, communications, strategic planning, customer or related fields experience.

Benefits

• Salary range of $127k - $140k per year.
• Career path with advancement opportunities within and across bands.
• Equal opportunity employer fostering a culture of inclusion.