Community & Economic Development Specialist

Company: UIL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

Location:

Orange, CT, US

Company Company

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies - a list of America's best corporate citizens - and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com (https://www.avangrid.com/wps/portal/avangrid/home)

Purpose

This position reports to the Manager of Government & Community Relations and serves as the primary point of contact with government, community and business organizations and agencies for Connecticut. Leverages strong relationships with key individuals and groups to meet company and regulatory metrics related to company public affairs initiatives, large projects and emergency preparedness. Resolves complex political issues to the satisfaction of the company and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

•The Government Relations & Community Relations Specialist is a key member of the team to support and promote the Company's public affairs strategies and objectives.

•Lead and manage the outreach function with local and state government officials, government agencies, community organizations and business groups by serving as the primary point of contact to establish and maintain excellent relationships with these stakeholders.

•Maintain a high level of knowledge of national, state, regional and local business and economic issues that affect UI's and the community's competitive standing. Work closely with internal departments, such as Strategic Account Services, Conservation & Load Management, Electric and Gas Operations and Sales & New Ventures teams to establish external relationships with community and statewide partners.

•Have relevant experience in the community by working closely with non-profits to establish relationships to help obtain Avangrid’s specific objectives in the local community as well as opportunities with the Avangrid Foundation.

•Be able to identify opportunities for employee engagement with non-profits supported in Avangrid’s service territory. Develop a strategic communications strategy around community engagement.

•Serve as the economic development lead for business attraction projects and work collaboratively with internal stakeholders. Establish partnerships and maintain strategic relationships with state and economic development organizations and local and statewide political officials and utilize the resources of affiliates and professional organizations lo enhance the Company's strategic interests.

Competencies

• Be a role model

• Be agile

• Collaborate and Share

• Develop Self & Others

• Empower to grow

• Focus to achieve results

• Technical Skills

Skills and Requirements

•Degree in Engineering, Economics, Political Science, Marketing or Business Administration or related field is required Master's Degree desirable,

•Experience in community affairs, economic development, local and/or state government, or business-related field.

•Excellent public speaking skills with the ability to deliver consistent messages to multiple stakeholders.

•Knowledge of the electric and natural gas utility business and the UI/SCG/CNG service areas.

•Ability to effectively interact with external stakeholders and senior management.

•Ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities, including crisis management.

•Excellent oral/written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.

•Work with a high degree of integrity, professionalism, initiative, and energy level.

•Position regularly requires attendance at meetings before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

•Experience: 7 Years

Mobility Information

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country

Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within AVANGRD Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Renewables

AVANGRID’s employment practices and policies are geared to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. At AVANGRID we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Learn more about equal employment by following this link (https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources department at 203-499-2777 or careers@avangrid.com