Manager - Communications

About the role

• Manager - Communications
• Senior Director - Communications
• Reports to Rochester, NY
• Work Type: Office

The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location ranging from $ 120,000-145,000

Competitive benefits and growth opportunities

• Generous performance-based bonuses
• 12% 401(k) match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and clear career advancement pathways

Benefits

For more information please visit: Benefits - Avangrid:

Job Summary

Manages and executes communications progr ams that support Rochester Gas & Electric's business objectives, operations, customers, employees, and external stakeholders. Develops communications plans and materials and manages day-to-day media relations, employee communications, digital content, and community-facing communications while maintaining consistent messaging and brand standards.

Partners with Operations, Customer Service, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, and other internal functions. Supports storm, emergency, and significant-event communications under the direction of the Director - New York Communications and established incident command protocols.

Key Responsibilies *

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for issues management, customer engagement, employee communications, and crisis response for RG&E, aligned with Avangrid's business objectives and enterprise priorities in New York.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership, with accountability for communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid's New York utilities.
• Shape and advance compelling narratives that strengthen trust and protect the companies' reputations, in close partnership with Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Customer Service, Operations, and Brand teams.
• Lead communications programs for RG&E, including media relations, public relations, crisis and issues communications, executive communications, social media, video and photo content, storytelling, and internal and external events, ensuring message discipline and brand consistency.
• Serve as an authorized spokesperson for RG&E, NYSEG, and Avangrid as needed, including responding to sensitive, high-profile, and crisis-related media inquiries.
• Partner with Operations, Customer Service, Community Affairs, and business leaders to identify and develop compelling storytelling, media relations, and public engagement opportunities that highlight infrastructure investments, employee expertise, customer benefits, operational achievements, and community impact.
• Create and oversee multimedia content for digital and social media channels, including videos, photography, employee features, project spotlights, and field-based storytelling that enhances audience engagement and supports business objectives.
• Support communications related to regulatory proceedings, infrastructure projects, reliability initiatives, public policy matters, customer programs, and community engagement efforts throughout Ne York.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, vendors, media partners, and key community and business organizations to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality communications support.
• Coordinate closely with Avangrid communications teams across the company to ensure alignment with enterprise messaging, stakeholder engagement priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.
• Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, storms, and major operational events, leading communications response efforts and coordinating with internal and external partners, including emergency management agencies, municipal leaders, regulators, customers, and the media.
• Support storm preparedness, response, and restoration communications by developing customer, employee, executive, media, and stakeholder messaging; coordinating media briefings; providing communications support within the incident command structure; and helping ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information throughout emergency events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience developing and editing corporate communications, including press releases, questions and answers, executive messaging, employee communications, and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, editing, presentation, and project-management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated judgment and ability to identify and escalate sensitive communications, reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder issues.
• Ability to build effective relationships with leaders and cross-functional partners.
• Experience managing employees, contractors, agencies, vendors, or complex projects, with knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn the electric and gas utility industry.
• Ability to work nontraditional hours, including nights and weekends, during storms, emergencies, or other business-critical events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the energy, utility, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
• Experience supporting storm response, emergencies, crisis communications, or incident command.
• Experience with media relations, digital communications, social media, and multimedia content.
• Familiarity with New York utility stakeholders, regulatory matters, and community engagement.

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