Company Description:

Job Title: Lead Program Manager, US Communications Program Management

About us

National Grid is hiring a Lead Strategic Communications Program Manager position in our 2 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY office.
 
Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.
 
To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering 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. 
 
To deliver high quality learning experiences that meet clients' technical, regulatory and safety learning needs through a blended learning approach and support the design and development of learning solutions.
 

Job Purpose

The position leads a wide range of services and support for the Strategic Communications function in downstate NY, primarily in the company’s Brooklyn Office covering Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island in coordination with the company’s Long Island Office. The individual in this position will develop and manage external communications strategies, plans, policies and projects that advance and protect National Grid’s reputation. Responsibilities include helping to lead crisis/emergency communications, managing media relations (including 24-hour availability), and identifying, creating and delivering key messaging to external audiences through a variety of traditional and digital communications channels. This is a position for a proven professional communicator.

Key Accountabilities

•    Develop and implement strategic and tactical communications plans to support local, regional and national company business strategy.
•    Represent the company as a media spokesperson regionally on a wide range of issues and subjects.
•    Direct and active participation in all aspects of emergency communications planning and response, including potential extended travel to support emergency response activities across the company’s US service area (New York and New England).
•    Support relevant communications efforts/needs, including media training for leaders of the New York business and executive leadership as required.
•    Develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal stakeholders across our various business functions, and provide timely communication counsel and solutions that fit the needs of the business.
•    Develop and manage strategic communications plans/projects/policies that advance the company’s/New York jurisdiction’s strategic priorities, and business performance.
•    Work collaboratively with the broader Corporate Affairs team to provide strategic, aligned and timely external communications.
•    Develop, implement and continuously improve end-to-end processes and procedures to streamline and improve the delivery of all communications to target audiences.
•    Build strong narratives and communications that resonates with stakeholders, thought leaders, influencers, policymakers, investors, customers, communities, media and others.
•    Drive awareness of initiatives, programs and events designed to improve brand affinity and perception of National Grid.
•    Partner with Customer Organization and various departments / key stakeholders across National Grid to ensure aligned messaging and complementary execution.
 

Qualifications

•    Minimum of 3 to 8 years of experience, depending on level (Band D or Band E), in a corporate communications environment with direct experience providing strategic guidance to senior executives and leading project teams. Management experience preferred for higher level role.
•    Bachelor’s Degree required in communications, journalism or related field, or comparable experience.
•    Demonstrated, proven media relations expertise.
•    Outstanding oral, written and visual communication skills with ability to simplify complex concepts under tight deadlines.
•    Experience in emergency/crisis management.
•    Knowledge of New York Metro area news media and government preferred.
•    Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely for both internal and external audiences, including (but not limited to) news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, white papers, executive speeches, presentations, blogs, social media, etc.  Writing samples must be provided. 
•    Demonstrated knowledge of and participation in all aspects of social media.
•    Action-orientated, motivated by results with ability to handle ambiguity and change.
•    Experience in organizations focused on innovative communication strategies and solutions.
•    Excellent track record of delivery and performance – a self-starter. Confident, independent individual with the ability to work to tight deadline.
•    Periodic travel required, primarily to other downstate New York company locations, with occasional travel to National Grid’s upstate N.Y. and New England offices.
 

Salary

$113K - $133K a year

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Internal candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.