Community Relations Specialist

Eversource; Walpole (MA); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversource is seeking a Community Relations professional to build and sustain productive relationships with local governments, businesses and community groups in the MA, CT, NH region. The role focuses on leadership in outreach, stakeholder engagement and economic development initiatives to support company priorities and public policy aims.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Communications or related field, 3–5 years in government relations or community care, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public/Government Administration or related discipline.
• Three to five years of community/customer care or government relations experience; five years preferred.
• Valid motor vehicle license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with community and municipal leaders.
• Coordinate programs to promote goodwill and gather stakeholder feedback.
• Assist with economic development initiatives and government relations.
• Represent Eversource at community gatherings and forums.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external partners.
• Support emergency preparedness communications and liaison activities.

Skills

Municipal govt knowledge

Crisis communication

Media relations

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy awareness

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or related

Job description

Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B, O-1, J-1, TN, E-3, etc.). Applicants requiring visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered.

Role and Scope of Position

Under general supervision, responsible for developing and maintaining favorable relationships with the surrounding community. Implement and coordinate programs to promote good will by disseminating information to the community and soliciting feedback from stakeholders. May represent Eversource at community gatherings or forums. Support ES initiatives, priorities, and responses by serving as a point of contact for various government officials, economic development agencies, business leaders and non-profit and community organizations. Educate the company on community viewpoints to help accomplish business objectives, and ensure the company is best positioned to receive favorable support from our municipalities and communities. Support the economic growth of the communities and customers we serve through economic development initiatives engineered at the regional, state and local levels, regular and active engagement with the business community and by building public and private partnerships.

Hybrid Work Schedule

Eversource supports work-life balance by offering hybrid schedules for certain roles. Eligibility is based on job responsibilities, operational needs, nature of work and team dynamics. Current guidelines require employees to work at least three days in the office, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the third day set by the employee and supervisor based on department needs. These guidelines apply to roles approved for remote work and are subject to change, based on managerial discretion and work performance. All applicants must be able to work up to five days in the office if needed (for example: emergencies, training, or other business needs) or should the policy change.

Essential Functions

• Works with the Community Relations Team to implement strategies for community and municipal outreach and relationship development; emergency preparedness and response; local and regional economic development; strategic corporate giving; and employee engagement, volunteerism, and business membership activities.
• Identifies and supports initiatives, proposals, concerns or issues related to the company’s reputation.
• This includes working with our communities on project timing and coordination as well as partnering with municipalities to promote state and local economic development initiatives.
• Supports various internal partners by sharing municipal and community knowledge to move projects towards successful outcomes while balancing company and community needs during small-scale project meetings, municipal project briefings, and town/city council, board, commission, committee and other municipal organization meetings.
• Participates with supporting the goals of the company by working with community, business, and civic organizations that will build positive relationships and partnerships.
• Identifies corporate giving opportunities within assigned territory and at regional and statewide levels.
• Solicits, screens and makes recommendations for grant awards to build strong, sustainable communities, increase local visibility and support company priorities.
• Ensures timely and effective communications with municipal leaders on siting, permitting, construction and maintenance activities involving transmission, distribution, vegetation and reliability projects.
• Monitors and analyzes local government policy changes, elections, city and town ordinances, board, and council activities and serves as liaison with Eversource colleagues to ensure timely awareness and participation.
• Provides guidance to internal business partners on local political activities, sensitivities and emergent issues that may impact state and federal government relations.
• Proactively builds relationships with essential community, private and non-profit agencies and organizations.
• Supports Eversource initiatives around Emergency Preparedness, specifically the development, maintenance, and implementation of the comprehensive Community Liaison Plans to optimize Eversource’s emergency preparedness efforts up to and following minor/major events.

Technical Knowledge / Skill / Education / Licenses / Certifications

Technical Knowledge/Skill: Good understanding of municipal, state, and regional government as well as the regulatory process. Knowledge of utility business, regulatory, and energy supply issues. Knowledge of crisis communication and media relations. Ability to use PC desktop applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, company outage management systems, and virtual meeting software). Ability to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to support and promote company initiatives. Ability to produce and deliver in-depth reports and presentations to internal and external partners. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with confidential information with integrity. Good written and verbal communication skills to present and share information with internal and external audiences. Good collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in sensitive, political environments. Good organizational skills to analyze, coordinate, and implement initiatives. Diplomacy and the ability to get along well with all levels of management and government officials.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public/Government Administration or related discipline or equivalent experience.

Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in community/customer care or government relations – five years preferred. Requires experience preparing and delivering presentations.

Licenses & Certifications: Valid motor vehicle license is required.

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work emergency storm assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
• Extended work hours during emergency preparedness and significant events.
• Emergency response responsibilities require night and weekend availability.
• Evening work is expected to attend public hearings, town and city council meetings, business association meetings and company sponsored events.
• Employee safety is paramount at Eversource. All Associates are provided with company-issued personal protective safety gear.
• Expected to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Must be comfortable leveraging mobile technologies to work remotely as needed.

Mental Aspects

Communicates governmental, regulatory and technical issues with public officials in public and political forums to effectively address emergent issues, public concerns and resolve customer problems. General understanding of utility operations, electric distribution and transmission systems, customer care, emergency preparedness, energy efficiency, energy markets, rates and regulations. and company policies and procedures. Collaboration with all corporate organizations, including senior leadership, Corporate Communications, Governmental Affairs, Media Relations, Electric and Gas Operation and Transmission and Regulatory Affairs.

Competencies

• Build trusting relationships
• Manage and develop people
• Foster teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead change
• Communicate strategic vision
• Create an engaged workforce
• Focus on the customer
• Take ownership & accountability

Compensation and Benefits

Eversource offers a competitive total rewards program. Check out our careers site for an overview of our benefits programs. Salary is commensurate with your experience. This position is eligible for a potential incentive. The annual salary range for this position is: $97,990.00-$108,880.00.

Worker Type: Regular

Number of Openings: 1

Emergency Response: Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Who we are

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES), a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor’s 500 energy company based in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, operates New England’s largest energy delivery system. Eversource is committed to safety, reliability, environmental leadership and stewardship, and expanding energy options for its 4.3 million electric and natural gas customers. We are a company dedicated to our customers, communities and employees. We know that our success depends on the best efforts of our engaged team-talented and dedicated individuals who take pride in their work, know and exhibit the value of teamwork and collaboration, and support each other in working safely every day.