Manager, Corporate Communications

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New Yorks clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New Yorks communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Job Overview

The Manager, Corporate Communications in the Corporate Communications, Marketing and Events Management business unit will participate in developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic and proactive corporate communications program that will build public awareness of NYSERDAs objectives and accomplishments.

The Corporate Communications Manager will serve to assist in integrating and coordinating program activities, events and announcements for internal and external audiences. This position requires a broad range of skills, with experience in executive remarks, public and media relations, and internal communications. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong project management skills, adaptable to working independently or as part of a team, and able to prioritize multiple projects while working in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be able to foster strong collaborations, and maintain an awareness and understanding of complex issues affecting NYSERDA, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the energy industry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, as well as media outlets, in development of newsworthy announcements.
• Work with management to provide recommendations and guidance to program teams on public relations efforts in support of NYSERDA positions and initiatives with the goal of achieving positive feedback among external and internal constituencies.
• Work closely with social media colleagues to develop and execute NYSERDA messaging across social media platforms.
• Work closely with Assistant Director of Communications in the development of news releases, responses to inquiries and other media-related communications; work with Vice President of Corporate Communications, Events and Marketing, the Director of Corporate Communications, the Assistant Director of Communications and the Director of Government Affairs as needed for sensitive and significant issues.
• Work jointly with other departments ensuring that all items meet the highest professional standards of accuracy, clarity and style. Liaise with internal departments including marketing, web and social media to ensure consistency of message.
• Build networks within NYSERDA, and other energy and environment agencies.
• Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity and inclusion across the workforce.
• Perform other responsibilities as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and at least 5 years related experience directly working in a corporate or government communications or public relations department; communications experience in the clean energy and clean and resilient buildings, environmental justice, or finance sectors
• Excellent work ethic, resolute integrity, detail oriented with a commitment to delivering a high-quality and accurate work product, with a track record of putting the success of the team first
• Ability to assess potential effects of NYSERDA decisions on public attitudes, effectively apprise Assistant Director of Communications, Director of Communications and Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing of such factors and help inform decision making for public response
• Ability to work effectively with members of the news media, executives in NYSERDA, and colleagues in other state agencies and industry stakeholders and organizations
• Excellent journalistic, presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate persuasively, concisely and unambiguously in speech and in writing
• The ability to express complex technical and organizational concepts in terms understandable to the news media and public; track record of creative and proactive approaches for pitching news stories
• Strong project management skills; ability to work well under pressure and a respect for internal and external deadlines; manage multiple diverse activities simultaneously, deliver on commitments and varying deadlines, and operate/make decisions with speed, accuracy and strong judgment
• Must be available to be on call during off-hours (nights and weekends)
• Proficient with Microsoft O365 Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, MS Teams) and comfortable learning and leveraging software applications and databases

Additional Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 4 years’ experience in the clean energy and building decarbonization, environmental justice, or finance sectors

Travel Requirements

• Travel required approximately 10-15% of time in support of media events and executive speaking engagements.

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

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