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About the Role

The Community Relations Director leads proactive outreach to internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and effective information sharing. This role briefs NYPA business units and executive leadership, develops and implements initiatives, and collaborates closely with departments to advance coordinated actions. The Director also oversees and participates in community outreach efforts that strengthen NYPA’s visibility and reinforce a positive, community-focused image. This role plans and delivers projects that enhance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of communities, and builds strong relationships with local business groups, community representatives, elected officials, and other key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of strategic community relations initiatives, ensuring alignment with NYPA’s organizational goals and policies.
Advise senior leadership on community relations strategies, providing expert guidance on complex issues and strategic decision-making.
Lead the community support program, including oversight of funding requests, approval processes, and compliance with Authority policies.
Establish and maintain high-level relationships with key community stakeholders, including opinion leaders, business principals, executives, and government officials.
Oversee and manage procurement and contract-related activities for the Community & Government Relations Department, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Lead high-profile community support initiatives, including the coordination of approval committee meetings and the presentation of pertinent information and recommendations.
Provide strategic oversight and guidance to the community relations team, ensuring that all activities are aligned with organizational goals and policies.
Monitor and assess public attitudes and perceptions and communicate relevant insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
Oversee and conduct community engagement outreach and activities across Western New York at a strategic level.
Oversee the conduct of advanced research and support comprehensive data collection and analysis to measure community impact.
Develop sophisticated engagement strategies based on thorough tracking and monitoring of local issues, media coverage, and community concerns that may affect NYPA projects or initiatives.
Lead the drafting of high-level briefing materials, presentations, talking points, and reports for leadership and external stakeholders.
Ensure the maintenance of accurate records of engagement activities, contacts, and outcomes.
Collaborate with senior internal teams to align community engagement with broader organizational goals, including sustainability, clean energy transition, and equity initiatives.
Oversee the planning and execution of impactful public outreach campaigns, educational programs, and special events.

Requirements

Mastery of community relations and public relations strategies, with extensive experience in leading and implementing complex initiatives.
Exceptional decision-making and strategic planning skills, with the ability to oversee multiple high-stakes projects and initiatives.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with high-level officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
Deep knowledge of NYPA’s goals, site-specific operations, and the regions in which NYPA operates.
Proven ability to build and maintain high-level relationships, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
Ability to provide direction and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Extensive experience managing complex projects and advising senior leadership.
Knowledge of the regions in which NYPA operates is essential.

Skills

Community relations
Public relations
Strategic planning
Decision-making
Interpersonal communication
Stakeholder engagement
Project management
Team leadership

Location

New York State

Work Type

Onsite
Travel

Experience Level

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public relations, or a related field

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field
Master’s degree is preferred

Salary/Compensations

$117,000-$160,600

Benefits

Fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation

About the Company

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them.
We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns.
To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.