RegionalManager - External Affairs,Central New YorkRegion

National Grid is hiring a Regional Manager for External Affairs for the Central New York Region. The position is hybrid and will be located in North Syracuse.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. To be successful we must work collaboratively with our key stakeholders, advance the company's priorities while educating our partners and protecting the Company's reputation. We anticipate the needs of our customers, strive to reduce the cost of energy delivery today, and pioneer the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

This role is seen as a critical strategically important role within National Grid. The individual will be the primary external face of the company within their respective region, while supporting local government/municipal relations, local community engagement and investment, and developing relationships while mitigating reputational risk among the most senior elected officials. This individual will support the advancement of the Company's communications strategy, collaborating with the economic development group to advise on decisions related to the economic development opportunities, and helping to drive National Grid's future operation and policy priorities by influencing decision makers at a state and regional level.

Responsibilities include leading the accountability for the two-way relationship between National Grid and the communities we serve. They will oversee and strategically drive engagement activities in support of business goals. Also, efficient deployment of Company resources to achieve strategic goals, collaborating with other groups internally to deliver first class customer service. They will represent National Grid on organizational boards that strategically enhance relationships, advance regional economic development initiatives and/or are positioned to advocate in partnership with National Grid on key issues tied to energy delivery (chambers of commerce, business organizations, etc.), and inform the company's local community investment plans.

• Develop and implement proactive stakeholder engagement strategies Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local government officials, civic organizations, nonprofits, and community members. This is foundational for influence and reputation management.
• Manage relationships and advocacy with local government officials Support lobbying activities and collaborate with State and Federal Government Relations teams to advance policy and priorities at local and state levels.
• Provide account management function to certain municipal electric/gas customers in the designated region as directed.
• Coordinate communications and public relations efforts Work with the Communications team to plan and execute media and engagement programs that enhance visibility, messaging, and promote community investments.
• Lead emergency management response and crisis coordination Serve as the primary community relations liaison during service interruptions or incidents, managing interactions with elected officials, municipal emergency managers, and critical customers and stakeholders. This position will have a dedicated storm/emergency response role.
• Build and maintain coalitions to advance company priorities Establish and manage partnerships with organizations and stakeholders to support strategic initiatives like clean energy transition and economic development.
• Liaise with the Company's Strategic Accounts teams regarding commercial and industrial managed accounts with strategic value to the Company.

• Bachelor's degree or higher with 3-6 years of experience in business, public administration, government affairs, community relations and energy/utility issues.
• Demonstrated success in external affairs and/or lobbying activity. Significant pre-existing network of current relationships in Syracuse and Central New York, including those with the Company's key stakeholders.
• Experience interacting with senior executives internally and externally.
• Substantive experience in collaboration to build strong partnerships with stakeholders.
• Experience with successful Corporate Giving programs and their governance.
• Must possess strong management skills, excellent verbal, digital, written and narrative communications skills along with the ability to write reports and develop presentations for senior management as required.
• Experience in crisis or external emergency management.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to provide positive influence in customer and community matters, as well as facilitate the resolution of internal and external issues/conflicts.
• In depth experience of working and influencing in a large organization to embrace complex environments and demystify them to address stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of the environment and key external industry and non-industry stakeholders which relate to and have an impact on the utilities sector (governmental, regulatory, communities, agencies, industry bodies).
• Resiliency and ability to affect change while maintaining alignment with National Grid strategic direction and goals.
• Exceptional networking skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate with a range of external stakeholders (individuals, agencies and groups).
• A strategic and proactive leader and influencer.
• Energy utility experience is strongly preferred.

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