Regional Manager, External Affairs, Central New York

About us

At National Grid, we light up the world by harnessing the unique strengths of our people. Join us as a Regional Manager, External Affairs, Central New York and be part of a team that's driving forward the energy transition, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Unleash your superpower and bring energy to life.

National Grid is hiring a Regional Manager, External Affairs, Central New York. This role is based in our North Syracuse, NY offices. This is a hybrid role, with a mix of office and remote work.

Job Purpose

This role is seen as a critical strategically important role within National Grid. The individual will be the primary external face of the company within their respective region, while supporting community engagement, local government relations, local community investment, and mitigating reputational risk amongst the most senior elected officials. This individual will also be responsible for supporting the advancement of the Company's Communications Strategy in collaboration with the Communications team, collaborating with the Economic Development group to advise on decisions related to the Company's Eco Dev programming, and helping to drive National Grid's future operation and policy priorities by influencing and managing decision makers at a state and regional level.

Responsibilities include leading the accountability for the two-way relationship between National Grid and the communities we serve in Central New York. Overseeing and strategically driving community relations activities in support of business goals established by the company and acting as the advocate of the needs and interests of communities we serve to internal National Grid departments and leadership. Also, efficient deployment of Company resources to achieve strategic goals, collaborating with other groups internally on key accountabilities to deliver first class customer service and representing National Grid on organizational boards that strategically enhance relationships, advance regional economic development initiatives and / or are positioned to advocate in partnership with National Grid on key issues tied to energy delivery (chambers of commerce, business organizations, etc.), and inform the company's local community investment plans.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the development and implementation of proactive strategies to ensure strong key stakeholder relationships are established and maintained, including with local government officials, civic organizations, not for profit organizations and community members.
• Support implementation of strategies to build, maintain, protect and ensure a solid reputation for National Grid's reputation as an industry leader in energy and the environment by managing the interests of industry and business associations, environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
• Actively build and maintain a network of internal and external relationships.
• Initiate and cultivate strong working relationships with internal National Grid departments to build and promote National Grid's standing with business, government, and community leaders.
• Develop and communicate key campaign strategies, policies, and community initiatives externally to promote, advance and protect National Grid interests in New York State.
• Manage relationships with local government officials and lobbying activity for certain Counites within and around Central New York to create the environment to advance policy and other priorities at the local and state levels. Collaborate with the State and Federal Government Relations team on legislative and policy priorities.
• Coordinate with the Communications team on media and public relations matters and opportunities. Plan and execute communications and engagement programs to advance the mission and enhance market visibility and messaging, and to promote the Company's community investments.
• Support local community investments. Provide input on strategy, plan and execution of local community giving programs that align to the Company's priorities in an efficient manner. Support implementation of key corporate initiatives such as Project C [Grid for Good], clean energy transition and various project initiative for proactive community engagement.
• Collaborate with the Company's Economic Development team to maximize e company's economic development grant programs, aligning to company priorities.
• Support external engagement in key internal operational, regulatory and strategic company initiatives, including rate cases and efforts to advance the clean energy transition.
• Build, manage and maintain coalitions in Central New York counties, as assign, to advance the Company's priorities.
• Monitor and advise on local issues. Identify trends, issues and opportunities as strategic input to influence senior Executives to integrate change management and culture transformation initiatives.
• Proactively identify areas of opportunity or risk.
• Lead the regional external coordination and execution of the Company's emergency management response plans, in conjunction with Emergency Response Plan during events where service interruptions or other incidents have occurred. Lead all interactions with local elected officials, municipal emergency managers, critical facility customers and key stakeholders. This position will have a dedicated storm / emergency response role.
• Stay abreast of best practices and trends in external affairs and community relations, and be cognizant of the needs of social justice, equity, and disadvantage communities from both external sources and local agency activities.
• Provide input on the organization's strategy action plans to assist in hitting key milestones to accomplish goals and impact growth.
• Manage certain municipal electric / gas customers in the designated region as directed.
• Liaise with the Company's Customer team regarding Customer managed accounts with strategic value to the Company.

Qualifications

More Information

#LI-MR1 #LI-HYBRID

Salary

$108k - $127k a year

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications / characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.