Communications Specialist

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The NYISO’s External Communications team invites applications for a full-time Communications Specialist.

Reporting directly to the Manager of External Communications and serving as an integral member of the communications team, this position partners closely with the Senior Communications Writer and subject matter experts across the organization to publish and promote industry leading content that educates and informs stakeholders on the changing electric grid, planning reports, operation activities, and wholesale electric markets.

The position is also responsible for the day-to-day use of NYISO’s social media channels to engage and educate key audiences including policymakers, elected officials, and third parties. The ideal candidate will have a strong skillset across a diverse set of communications disciplines, with significant experience in publishing and promoting content on social media channels. Specifically, the candidate will have a proven track record of audience engagement and growth through the sharing of content from technical material. This position will also collaborate across teams and departments to support timely and accurate content development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, write and produce content in a collaborative environment working with subject matter experts across the organization.
• Publish and promote social media content that drive engagement and education across key audiences including policymakers, elected officials, and third parties.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of social media content including reach, engagement rates, and additional actions.
• Stay abreast of organizational projects and developments and work closely with members of the External Affairs department to identify and understand issues affecting New York’s grid.
• Attend stakeholder committee meetings on occasion as additional research.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, in an appropriate field of study such as English, Communications, or Journalism required.
• Minimum five years of demonstrated, successful writing and social media experience, preferably within the energy industry
• Familiarity with paid media strategies
• Familiarity with digital media platforms

Additional Requirements:

• Strong analytical capabilities. Energy industry knowledge or other related business reporting experience strongly desired.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, writing, editing, and project management skills.
• Proven track record of strong editing, writing, proofreading, and storytelling experience.
• Knowledge of communications disciplines including social media management, editorial strategy, project management, relationship building, crisis communications, internal communications, and media relations.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contact with staff and public will occur. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.