Manager, External Affairs

Primary Role

The primary role of this position is to provide senior-level communications counsel to the state president and the state senior management team and to develop, coordinate, implement and manage all external communications activities to support the success of the state business plan and operating objectives. The primary areas of responsibility include media relations, public relations, community relations, corporate social responsibility and local support to government relations activities and meeting the information needs of customers. This professional is poised to respond rapidly and tactically to unanticipated events and critical issues such as main breaks and other critical incidents and is equally focused on providing proactive and strategic communications counsel and advise to the state senior management team. This role is focused on anticipating and managing local communications issues and effectively positioning the company with key opinion leaders and key constituencies.

The External Affairs Manager is the critical communications resource maximizing the company's communications effectiveness, flexibility and responsiveness within the communities we serve. This professional has a comprehensive depth of communications knowledge and experience with demonstrated expertise in implementing integrated, strategic communications programs. While not directly responsible for customer communications or internal communications, the External Affairs Manager is an active and vital component of an integrated communications team operating through a matrix management model that is responsible for functional excellence reaching all audiences with a full array of internal and external communications messages, tactics and activities. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, nurturing and sustaining strong and enduring relationships with the media not only during unanticipated events but also to proactively to leverage media coverage. This function ensures that American Water is aligned with key community groups and organizations and well regarded and respected as a "good corporate citizen". Leads and directs all communications activities to reflect American Water's commitment to its customers and communities. Working closely with the State President and the state senior management team, the manager ensures that the company is effectively aligned and positioned to develop and sustain key relationships with community leaders, government and regulatory authorities, as well as elected and appointed officials.

Key Accountabilities

• Directly supports the strategic communications needs of a state and the state senior management team. Provides senior-level communications counsel and ensures the effective implementation of external affairs and related communications activities. Assists in strategy development and the proactive development of communications materials/tactics that produce cost, time and resource efficiencies across the business as well as ensures consistent messaging for all audiences. Ensures wise budget management. Works directly and closely with the State President to equip the state management team to develop and sustain key relationships - with community leaders, the media, elected/appointed officials, regulators and their staff members, and to manage and advance important communications objectives to these target constituencies. Employs a keen awareness and knowledge of community resources and contacts; understands the attitudes and concerns of the community. Implements communications strategies, tactics and activities to ensure ongoing, consistent and targeted communications before, during and after rate case filings.
• Develops, manages and directs comprehensive strategic communications plans and supporting materials for public communications including media relations, conference participation, community relations/events, local government relations and sponsorship/memberships and executes in a proactive manner. Interacts and provides communications counsel on communications-related issues, challenges and opportunities. Develops effective crisis plans, crisis communications and serves as a spokesperson in a crisis situation. Is highly effective when developing messages for American Water during a crisis. Effectively manages internal and external resources, such as public relations agencies and other communications consultants, and adheres to all budget management requirements. Monitors internal/external business developments, as well as identifies connections between business activities and industry trends, that may pose a threat or benefit to the company's reputation. Works closely with the Customer Communications Manager, the Internal Communications Manager and the Customer Service Center Communications Manager to ensure that materials are anticipated, planned for and developed on a timely basis to meet the needs of state operations. Provides communications support to business development activities, when needed.
• Effectively establishes and maintains relationships with key media outlets and educates the media on issues of interest to American Water. Develops, executes and measures the effectiveness of media relations strategies in support of the state's capital investment program. Predicts and anticipates the needs of the news media/reporters and is cognizant of meeting these needs. Plans and manages large press and community events. Develops talking points and corresponding media materials, invitations to the media, media pitching and coaches the State President and the state senior management team on how to convey key messages effectively when dealing with the media (during an interview or when attending an editorial board meeting) or when speaking before community groups, elected or municipal leaders, or other target audiences.

Additional Proficiences

• Demonstrated experience in strategy development and implementation.
• Expertise in advocacy and government relations.
• Strong content creation and management skills.
• Proven ability to engage and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Proficiency in tracking and analyzing PR metrics and measurement.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and compelling content.
• Public relations agency experience and/or advocacy campaign management background are a plus.
• Writing and campaign examples available for discussion

Knowledge/Skills

• Has a thorough knowledge of strategic communications. Extensive experience in developing, implementing and measuring all related tactics and activities in support of effective integrated communications strategies.
• Displays a thorough knowledge and understanding of the media and the ability to assess a reporter's focus/beat. Is highly adept at developing and placing media materials including press releases, letters to the editor, and op-eds. Confident and experienced in arranging and conducting editorial boards.
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Is knowledgeable of community-based organizations, the political background and agendas of these groups, and other grassroots initiatives. Understands local and state political issues and is knowledgeable about the key players.
• Understands Reg FD disclosure requirements pertaining to publicly traded companies and understands the difference between material and non­material information.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and produce quality materials while achieving results and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and re-prioritize quickly. Ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines.
• Has excellent and efficient working knowledge of PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access databases.
• Is familiar with project management work and has experience managing vendors and vendor contracts.
• Has experience planning and executing trade show and client hospitality events.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree required in journalism, communications, public relations, English, advertising or related field preferred, or demonstrated experienced commensurate with the requirements of the position.
• Seven to ten years of experience in public relations, media relations, media reporting, marketing and community relations in a fast-paced corporate and/or agency environment.

Travel Requirements

• 20% of travel within the state and regionally

Certifications and Licenses

• Active State Driver's License required with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report. 

Work Environment

• Located in a state supporting the full array of external affairs and communications needs of the company's operations within that state.
• Hybrid work schedule, 3 days in the office 2 days remote. 

Competencies