Director, External Communications - Eversource

Role and Scope of Position:
This role serves as the corporation’s point position relating to external communications across multiple areas of corporate relations. In conjunction with Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Community Relations, Corporate Citizenship & Equity, develops and maintains favorable relationships with Eversource’s key constituents by developing strategies and guiding and directing programs to promote and position Eversource positively from a reputational and relationship standpoint as a local, regional, national, and industry leader. This position establishes and maintains a constructive and positive relationship members of the news media, leads a team which maintains similar relationships and works collaboratively across the company, with an emphasis on Corporate Relations, to ensure the company’s story is being told successfully and with the print and broadcast media. Responsible for advising and assisting management in all aspects of media relations.

Essential Functions: 

• Works with management and outside advisors/agencies to develop and implement a pro-active 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.
• Directs 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.
• Establishes and maintains 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.
• Prepares short and long-range communications strategies that address actual and potential issues.
• Serves as the Company’s primary spokesperson.
• Directs 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: 

• Requires extensive knowledge of media relations and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Education:      

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

Experience: 

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of professional communications experience with at least five (5) years overseeing media relations and projects and five (5) 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.

Eversource Energy offers a competitive total rewards program. The annual salary range for this position is $181,950-$202,170/year, plus incentive. Salary is commensurate with your experience. Please check our career site for an overview of our benefits.

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Worker Type:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment.  This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.