Director, Public Affairs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands, anticipates and responds to the changing energy landscape in the business unit service territory through developing and maintaining knowledge of the political, social, environmental and economic issues that affect the business unit. 
• Identifies trends, analyzes risks and defines opportunities using insights gained through feedback from stakeholders, regulators, policy influencers and policy makers. 
• Works with external subject matter experts, attends relevant meetings and facilitates internal information-sharing to reveal trends and developing issues, as well as opportunities that can be leveraged for the business unit's benefit.
• Manages the Government Affairs and Regulatory Affairs teams, develops employee goals  and measures performance toward those goals.
• Directs outreach efforts to assist the achievement of regulatory, legislative and business climate outcomes critical to the business unit's success. 
• Develops and executes engagement plans for issues impacting the business operations and opportunities. 
• Designs, launches and manages infrastructure advocacy initiatives, coordinating with outside stakeholders and utilities to accomplish.
• Develops and directs approaches, policies and programs to promote key stakeholder understanding of value and contribution to service-area states; secures, defines and packages information that effectively conveys the value of company benefits to stakeholders; works with external-facing employees to ensure maximum benefit from opportunities to educate stakeholders and convey the value of the company.
• Builds relationships with external stakeholders through outreach and networking to build engagement on common issues and shared initiatives. 
• Directs the establishment of a network of trade associations, industry partners, non-governmental organizations and other entities to drive mutual benefit. 
• Directs activity to engage third-party advocates for projects and positions, including capital projects, public policy positions and regulatory and legislative initiatives.
• Works to quantify and demonstrate to stakeholders the benefits of company activities; works with external-facing employees to heighten the brand, reputation and visibility of ITC statewide among stakeholders; leverages existing partnerships, sponsorships and relationships to enhance ITC opportunities. 
• Works with ITC corporate functions to identify local opportunities for thought leadership on energy, environmental and business issues; directs company initiatives in service area states delivering mutual gains with key stakeholders, including STEM education, economic and rural development and workforce development.
• Provides strategic counsel and leadership to the business unit president; advises the business unit president on the external implications of company practices, policies, plans and actions; when required, participates on behalf of the corporation and/or business unit president in external events and meetings. 

• Communicates internally to align messaging and advocacy through 1) equipping external-facing employees with a thorough understanding of business unit priorities and messages, 2) framing policy issues for internal understanding by the business unit leadership team and preparing team members to support business unit strategy, 3) ensuring internal team members are trained, prepared, qualified and committed to conveying ITC's messaging to key stakeholders. 

• Champions internal efforts to advocate ITC positions in community, industry and regulatory settings; initiates and facilitates ongoing internal team development and coordination activities; guides lessons-learned opportunities to help determine business unit performance gaps and tactics for improving performance.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education; Master's degree in Administration preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in transmission policy, regulatory affairs, government affairs, marketing and communications, or public relations.
• Leadership experience required.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with management, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the company including in media interviews.
• Possesses strong organizational skills to efficiently manage multiple efforts, projects, tasks and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to interact easily and establish relationships with internal and external stakeholders and be respectful of others and their opinions.
• Possesses exceptional networking and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and exhibit professionalism while contending with tense situations. 
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Attention to detail and focus on quality delivery.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and access to reliable means of transportation.
• Possesses sound analytical problem-solving and documentation skills.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.