Director Strategic Communications NY

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.

The Director of Strategic Communications - New York is a strategic role that plays an important role in providing senior oversight, strategic input, and coordination of National Grid's communications and media strategy for the New York business unit, while managing public perception and communications effectively.

* Reporting into the VP - Communications, develop and lead the overarching communications, media and public relations strategy for National Grid's New York business unit, ensuring alignment with NG objectives.
* Support the VP - Communications in providing appropriate strategic and tactical advice and counsel to senior leadership and input into a communications and corporate media relations strategy, to protect and enhance the reputation of the business and ensure that a proactive and coordinated approach to media relations is delivered.
* Provide strategic guidance to New York aligned Media managers to ensure consistent messaging and media approach across National Grid.
* Identify and seize proactive media opportunities that enhance the company's reputation and visibility - with a specific view to which media opportunities are hyper local vs. which may have US-wide or broader company application.
* Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Media Managers, ensuring they are aligned with the strategy and objectives of their respective Business Units.
* Ensure that media requests are handled quickly and professionally to maximize National Grid's reputation with key stakeholders.
* Set performance objectives for the Media Managers, providing regular feedback and support for professional growth.
* Foster an inclusive culture of collaboration between Media Managers and the wider Communications function, and Corporate Affairs function to ensure a unified public image.
* Act as a senior and authoritative spokesperson and key contact for media inquiries, cultivating strong relationships with key journalists and media outlets.
* [As required] Lead the media response to crisis events, ensuring a timely, consistent, and accurate information is conveyed to the public in such a way that bolsters and protects National Grid's external reputation.
* [As required] Work with the Executive Positioning team to support media training and coaching with National Grid's NE-based executive team, provide media advice and support to members of the executive as required.
* Proactively manage National Grid's corporate reputation, identifying potential risks and opportunities related to public perception. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment in the US and as relevant to the New York Business Unit, track performance and sentiment and adjust strategies accordingly.
* Oversee the budget for media and public relations activities for the New York BU.
* Identify and develop proactive media opportunities to increase external knowledge and understanding of the company's business responsibilities and to enhance National Grid's corporate reputation.
* This position will have a dedicated storm/ emergency response in US

* Extensive experience in strategic communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably within the energy, utilities, or corporate sectors.
* Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies that enhance corporate reputation and manage public perception.
* Strong understanding of media landscape, including relationships with key journalists and media outlets, particularly in the New England region.
* Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
* Experience in crisis communications and managing media responses during high-pressure situations.
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop a team of communications professionals.
* Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to monitor media coverage, assess public sentiment, and make data-driven recommendations for strategy adjustments.
* Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
* Familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms, and a keen interest in leveraging new technologies to enhance communications efforts.
* Bachelor's degree/ experience or equivalent qualification.