SVP Communications & External Affairs

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as an integral member of the executive management team, the SVP Communications & External Affairs is responsible for developing, leading, and directing NYPA’s internal and external engagement strategy. Works to ensure NYPA’s story, message development, narration, and reputation management support NYPA’s mission, vision, values, and strategy. Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to build and maintain external & internal relationships with government officials and the communities in NYPA’s five regions.

Builds public and employee awareness and support of the Power Authority’s objectives and accomplishments. Provides recommendations and guidance to executive management on communication of NYPA positions and initiatives, with the goal of achieving positive responses among external and internal constituencies.

This critical position requires a broad range of public relations and leadership skills, along with a high degree of initiative and the ability and willingness to maintain an awareness and understanding of complex issues affecting NYPA, Canals Corporation, the electric utility industry, and external and internal constituencies. This role will lead NYPA’s communications and external affairs teams which includes Environmental Justice and Community Affairs covering Upstate, Long Island and Westchester County.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for all NYPA’s communications and external relations spanning local government, community, and environmental justice programs.
• Implement strategies and operating standards for the department supporting NYPA’s mission and goals and create a cohesive image to all internal and external parties with an interest in NYPA.
• Support the President & CEO in creating a leadership communications strategy to effectively position the members of the executive team as thought leaders and spokespeople on issues and in venues that are relevant to its business and employees.
• Provide oversight to the policy development and execution of NYPA’s Environmental Justice programs statewide and internally.
• Participate in and leads external groups and coalitions that further the Authorities operations and policies.
• Proactively leads, develops, and implements an integrated strategic communications and marketing plan (network, key audience, public relations, social/digital, and content marketing) designed to define NYPA clearly among key stakeholders, broaden awareness of programs and priorities, and increase visibility of programs across relevant audiences.
• Develop department plans and budget that ensures funds are utilized in a cost-effective manner to align with the mission and goals.
• Direct the team and drive continuous learning and professional development of staff; build department’s talent pipeline and bench strength.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinker with experience developing a long-term plan and ensuring its execution.
• Provides thought leadership on complex business challenges within NYPA. Exceptional leadership skills with proven ability to lead and execute business initiatives.
• Ability to support strategic change to meet organizational goals and establish an organizational vision to implement in a continuously changing environment.
• Excellent judgment and discretion, ability to think on one’s feet. Ability to work well under tight deadlines and respond to rapidly changing demands and fulfill efficient follow-up.
• Strong negotiation/persuasive skills to generate internal and external support.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with ability to interact with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Acute political awareness. Familiar with State and National governmental processes.
• Ability to maintain a trusted and collaborative relationship with senior executives across all business units.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and logically.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree; Government Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years with demonstrated advancement in responsibility in public, government, communications or community relations and engagement with minimum 5 years management experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of senior leadership experience building and executing strategic plans.
• Experience in Government/Public Sector (NY State preferred)
• Utility or energy experience preferred

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Physical Requirements

• Approximately 40% travel primarily within NY State.