Provide communications, counsel, and strategic development services for top executives and serve as the primary spokesperson for Rhode Island Energy on key issues. Develop comprehensive communications programs and lead a high performing, engaged team for Rhode Island Energy focused on public relations, media relations, crisis communications, marketing communications and employee communications strategies that positively influence PPL stakeholders. Direct the activities of employees who are accountable for the day-to-day delivery of effective communications programs supporting Rhode Island Energy. Represent PPL in various forums and coordinate communications activities with business partners and government officials. #RIE

• Directs the development and implementation of communications programs that enhance the reputation of Rhode Island Energy and positively influence key stakeholders, including shareowners, potential investors, financial analysts, government officials, community leaders, customers and employees
• Works with executive management and department managers/supervisors to ensure that messages are consistent with corporate and business segment plans, goals and values
• Provides ongoing communications counsel and services — including strategic planning, message development, crisis communications services, community relations, positioning, and presentations — for senior management
• Ensures the timely and accurate distribution of information through social media, newsletters, email, website content, and other marketing collateral
• Oversees internal communications and help ensure employee communications strategies can successfully engage and educate employees in meaningful ways
• Directs efforts to develop and implement proactive media relations strategies. Develop and deliver key messages to target audiences, identifying traditional and digital media for placement of positive messages about PPL
• Ensures prompt and appropriate responses to news media inquiries that protect the reputation of Rhode Island Energy
• Serves as corporate spokesperson for Rhode Island Energy on key issues
• Measures and develops action plans to continuously improve and innovate our marketing and communications
• Maintains knowledge of industry trends, regulatory challenges, and related legislative developments
• Provides logistic and messaging support for internal teams and help develop presentations, internal announcements, and town halls
• Ensures consistent brand voice and tone across all channels
• Directs Rhode Island Energy’s community relations organization, which includes relationships with key stakeholders, local offices of federal and state legislators and municipal officials limited media relations in local communities philanthropy activities active promotion of PPLs positive messages at the local level and savvy interpretation of potential negative issues for discussion and action by Rhode Island Energy
• Develops and implements communications strategies and campaigns that address company goals and objectives, and address Rhode Island Energy’s objectives as part of PPL Corporation
• Manages the development, review, and dissemination of Rhode Island Energy’s positions on key public policy matters
• Directs development, training, and ongoing readiness of emergency communications response for Rhode Island Energy
• Serves as a member of the on-call organization for emergencies
• Ensures that communications needs are well defined and qualified incumbents are in place to carry out responsibilities, succession plans are in place and all required safety and compliance training is current
• Collaborates with various departments to ensure message alignment and identify risk management issues
• Provides departmental hiring, employee onboarding, training, and performance reviews
• Develops and manages the assigned budgets to provide a high level of service to Rhode Island Energy at a reasonable cost
• Directs effective implementation of advertising, social media (proactive and reactive) and web-based communications to meet Rhode Island Energy’s goals and objectives
• Provides in-person supervision of employees to ensure compliance with FLSA wage and hour issues as well as to monitor compliance with safety rules
• Oversees departmental budget and has a keen eye on fiscal management.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
• Works to promote a constructive culture and a safe work environment within the organization

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in corporate communications
  • 5 years of experience managing communications activities in a corporate setting, including responsibilities for budgeting and personnel
  • Accomplished writer of news material and other communications material relevant to corporate communications
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills ability to articulate and relay company positions and messages clearly, and under pressure
• In depth understanding of news media and strategic communications principles
• Prior experience interacting with the media, including print, broadcast, and online mediums
• Strong familiarity with latest digital and social media tools used to communicate effectively with customers
• Ability to synthesize complex issues into digestible and engaging narratives at pace.
• Strong computer skills, understanding of Internet, social media and emerging communications technologies
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team, a strong focus on constructive culture and diverse viewpoints
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively as a trusted counsel to executive management

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or completion of executive program in communications or business.
• Experience working in news media15 years of experience in corporate public relations, news media or in the press office of an elected official or government agency
• Community relations experience
• Experience in management of a corporate communications organization for a Fortune 500 company
• Basic knowledge of public opinion research techniques and interpretation of survey results