Manager, External Communications

Role and Scope of Position:
This position works with Corporate Relations Directors in managing the Company’s position relating to media relations. In conjunction with all other Corporate Relations’ areas, develops and maintains favorable relationships with Eversource’s key constituents by developing strategies and guiding and directing programs to promote and position Eversource in national, regional, local and trade media as an industry leader. Establishes and maintains a constructive and positive relationship with the print and broadcast media. Responsible for advising and assisting management in all aspects of media relations, and ensuring message alignment with other areas of Corporate Relations who work with external stakeholders.

Essential Functions: 

• Works with management and outside advisors/agencies to develop and implement a proactive media relations program to strengthen the Company’s image in the media as a customer-focused and financially strong leader in the electric and gas utility industry.
• Coordinates the preparation and release of all newsworthy information in accordance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintains relationships with key trade, business and consumer media reporters and editors.
• Coordinates the establishment and maintenance of positive and constructive relations with the print and broadcast media.
• Oversees arrangement of interviews involving Eversource executives and managers and with media representatives and prepares Company representatives for such interviews.
• Provides assistance, from a media relations viewpoint, in preparing, reviewing, revising and approving all public statements and speeches, media scripts and articles prepared by Company employees.
• Assists with the preparation of short- and long-range communications strategies that address actual and potential issues.
• Ensures the proper subject matter experts speak on behalf of the Company before the print and broadcast media.
• Assists with directing the development and management of all emergency media communications.
• Works collaboratively with Community Relations on their individual interactions with cities and towns to assist in message delivery and alignment to ensure consistency across communication platforms and venues.
• Provides communications support to Eversource’s Corporate Citizenship & Equity in working with community partners and organizations and furthering the public’s awareness of Eversource’s efforts to serve environmental justice communities. This role also helps to inform the public of Eversource grant support for key organizations, projects, and initiatives.
• This role works closely with Regulatory Affairs partners in all three states to ensure alignment with messaging to regulatory stakeholders to ensure consistency.
• Providing communications support to Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Community Relations.
• Additional support may be needed to provide assistance to Rates and Regulatory Requirements, Investor Relations, and other organizations around the company on an as-needed basis.

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of media relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public advocacy tactics including earned media, paid advertising and social platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of energy industry and/or project development activities is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• On-camera interview experience.
• Must be a masterful communicator capable of crafting effective stories for publication in the media and within the company. 
• Knowledge of public and regulatory policies and processes.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related discipline or equivalent experience. 
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.     

Experience: 

• Ten (10) or more years of professional communications experience with at least four (4) years overseeing media relations and projects and three (3) years within the print or electronic news media.

     

Licenses & Certifications:  

• None

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
• Must be available to respond to media inquiries and support project development activities as required.

Mental Aspects:

• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic communications development and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience wit