Manager, External Communications

Brief Description of Sunnova
Sunnova (NYSE: NOVA) is revolutionizing the energy industry as a leading Energy as a Service (EaaS) provider of solar, battery storage, EV charging, and other energy solutions with customers spanning the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 2012, our goal is to provide homeowners, businesses, and communities with a better energy service at a better price – making clean, renewable energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable. At Sunnova, we believe that our success comes from the diversity and creativity of our people. Our team is made up of forward-thinkers who are passionate about changing the energy industry for the better, and we're looking for like-minded individuals to join us. We encourage our people to push beyond traditional limits and explore new horizons – because only then can we truly transform the world for the better. If you're excited about being a part of the fastest-growing segment of the energy industry, we want you on our team!
Position
The Manager of External Communications will be responsible for managing and supporting Sunnova’s external corporate communications strategy, including determining and managing key media messages, announcements, and thought leadership with a strong focus on strategic communications to effectively engage external audiences. This position will manage external communications and media relations activities to position Sunnova as a leading energy as a service provider. This position is part of a team responsible for translating Sunnova’s strategy into clear, compelling communications and will work across the company and its various departments to develop messaging, identify media opportunities, and create content for external consumption. This position will work to deepen the external understanding of Sunnova’s communications strategy and brand while building awareness of key leaders and initiatives in support of the company’s goals. 

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct external communication efforts that elevate company goals through media relations, crisis communications, and corporate storytelling.
• Facilitate external corporate communication activities, including corporate announcements, executive communications, media relations, industry events and additional projects, as needed.
• Create and edit external communications for the CEO, including social media, online profile management, and external presentations.
• Write scripts, speeches, and talking points prior to events, press interviews, and public speaking engagements.
• Oversee proactive and reactive media relations activities, including fostering productive relationships with key media contacts, facilitating media requests, uncovering opportunities, crafting compelling press releases, media statements and pitches.
• Work in close collaboration with a broad range of internal partners, including Marketing, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Finance, Legal, Operations, Supply Chain and the Executive Leadership Team to ensure alignment of messaging and content.
• Manage external media agency to drive results; direct agency resources and monitor for quality control; provide direct and timely feedback; monitor and measure agency deliverables against goals and objectives.
• Monitor and report monthly results, providing media coverage reports, KPI dashboards, and Board of Director presentations on a quarterly basis.
• Support crisis communications efforts in coordination with internal partners.
• Manage general administrative duties, including contracts, budgets and vendor relations as related to external communications activities.
• Consistently look for ways to enhance existing processes for greater efficiency and existing communication vehicles for greater effectiveness and impact.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field
• 5+ years’ experience in communications or public relations developing and managing communications plans and programs; agency experience is a plus
• A proven record of executing high-impact external communications projects and media relations expertise
• Experience working in the energy or clean tech space is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, as evidenced by experience and writing samples
• Strong verbal communications skills, as well as excellent presentation skills
• Strong business acumen and the ability to strategically interface with and key stakeholders, particularly at the executive level
• Ability to identify, assess, understand, and make appropriate recommendations to meet business needs
• Experience creating effective messaging for a range of audiences
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to prior