Senior Director, Community and Government Relations

Location:

White Plains, US

Summary

The Senior Director, Community & Government Affairs is responsible for building and maintaining government and community relations critical to the advancement of NYPA goals in the assigned region, including to promote internally and externally NYPA’s projects, educate the public, and oversee the operations of the visitors centers where applicable. This role requires executive presence and excellent communication skills for representing NYPA, along with media crisis management.

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Responsibilities

• Work closely with the VP of Community and Government Affairs in furtherance of NYPA’s goals, projects, and mission.

• Oversee all NYPA community and educational programs throughout assigned region.

• Build & maintain relationships with local, state and federal elected officials and others who have an impact on the day-to-day business operation & ongoing strategic vision of NYPA.

• Serve in a top level position in various community organizations to represent NYPA & drive policy that benefits NYPA & its customers.

• Track, monitor and influence government actions that impact NYPA’s business plan and policies via direct involvement in the region.

• Track, monitor and evaluate impact of media activity.

• Be prepared to handle regional crises as appropriate and create an emergency notification system to notify local, state and federal officials through all means necessary.

• Coordinate NYPA’s communication efforts in region with officials, business leaders, civic groups and others to hear their concerns and keep them apprised of NYPA’s initiatives

• Report to the VP of Community and Government Affairs and to senior management any issues that may affect NYPA’s image.

• Work with Communications to address any media inquiries in assigned region and for any printed or online materials.

• Maintain a high level of expertise in the field of energy and the environment including but not limited to energy efficiency, energy services, transmission, climate change, renewable generation, transmission & the marketplace.

• Recognize opportunities to leverage NYPAs community resources to further company goals.

• Review performance of staff; establish work performance goals and review their individual goals each appraisal period. Recommends staff additions, promotions, salary increases, and develop the shift schedule. Establish and maintain effective lines of communication with NYPA employees on programs and projects of interest to them.

• Develop and manage a cost effective department budget.

• In regions with Visitors Centers, direct the operations and manage visitor center staff, working with plant managers.

• In regions without Visitors Centers, proactively create and develop special venues for NYPA educational programs.

• Work with Business Units to arrange meetings with local officials and to conduct presentations in assigned region to further NYPA’s initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Broad working knowledge of NYPA, the mission and the management team.

• Strong management and upper level supervisory experience.

• Broad knowledge of the NYPA region assigned, the community groups and the officials.

• Demonstrated ability working in high level relationships with elected and other officials and with community leaders and opinion makers. Ability to work with highly sensitive and confidential material .

• Broad understanding of the changing regulatory environment in which NYPA operates and knowledgeable in licensing and relicensing procedures related to Renewable Generation and Transmission Projects.

• Highly effective verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills. Ability to speak publicly.

• Effectively handle competing priorities and ability to change focus of the division as needed.

• Excellent organization and planning skills as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Experience with Transmission distribution system as well as energy efficiency management/conservation programs.

• Ability to problem-solve and effectively operate within a large, dynamic environment with experience in senior level administrative management.

• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects within varying deadlines.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors degree in business, marketing, public relations, communications, , economics, political science or related field required.

• Minimum 10 years of related experience.

• Minimum 3 years of people management experience.

• Utility / power industry experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Approximately 25% travel within NY State.

• Ability to attend meetings/events outside of normal business hours.

New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is: $164,090-$180,000. Salary offered will be determined based the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email  accessibility@nypa.gov .

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