Community Relations and Communications Manager

Pay Rate: $125000 to a maximum of $135000 Per Year.BENEFITSVeolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.  Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement. Position Purpose: The Veolia North America Communications Department is responsible for helping shape and execute communications strategy for the company, advance key priorities and strategy to broad and diverse audiences, and connect these priorities to national, state and local conversations. The department also manages the daily operation of the Veolia’s central communications channels, including the website and social media accounts, guides the company’s media engagement, and provides strategic communications counsel.The Manager, Communications and Community Relations is responsible for the consistent articulation of the Veolia mission through comprehensive internal and external communication and stakeholder programs for local utility operations in New York. Works under the direction of the Vice President, Utility Communications and closely with the local General Manager and operations managers to deliver communications that align with and support both company and local goals. He/she is intimately familiar with water and/or wastewater operations and the industry, customer communications, employee engagement, media relations, community relations and stakeholder management.The Manager, Communications and Community Relations helps develop and implement strategic, comprehensive and professional communications and community programs that educate customers, community groups, employees and other stakeholders about the Veolia brand and company objectives.Primary Duties/Responsibilities:Develops and implements Customer First communications, community relations and external and internal stakeholder plans with strong emphasis on local projects and initiatives and national and global objectives.Writes local communications, including strategic plans, articles, press releases, speeches/presentations, etc.Supports communications performance targets and goals established by Corporate Communications and the local business unit.Manages local website, social media and digital networks, providing consistently fresh and relevant content.Manages the Communications budgets of local territory.Other activities as deemed appropriate.Key Focus Areas:Customer First CommunicationsDevelop communications that seek to increase satisfaction, brand perception and support a Customer First organization.Satisfy customer preferences by applying an omni-channeled approach that includes a variety of digital and traditional communications channels.Create and execute communications programs for targeted stakeholder segments, including informational sessions, stakeholder dialogues and customer advisory groups.Under the direction of the Vice President, Utility Communications and in collaboration with communications directors/managers across the division, contribute to the development of company-wide strategic communications plans and programs.Monitors, collects and analyzes customer data, including the identification of trending / emerging issues, including but not limited to customer advisory panels, stakeholder dialogues, client research, social media, customer web behavior, focus groups, surveys and customer service centers. Incorporate learnings with the aim of creating Customer First solutions.Employee EngagementDevelop rich and meaningful internal communications that promote safety, spotlight capital projects, champion change, foster employee pride, and inspire commitment to company goals.Celebrate employees and their contributions through various company platforms and activities (award programs, newsletters, social media, storytelling, participation in company activities, e.g.)Community RelationsAccountability for and oversight of the local company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programs (community and civic functions).Foster an inclusive external culture by building and maintaining relationships with local community NGOs and other influential stakeholders and incorporating their input where appropriate.Develop community programs that further educate stakeholders on company initiatives, the water industry and the Veolia brand, including school programs, facility tours and community events.Manage local company’s charitable giving program and ensure alignment with corporate goals and policy.MediaDevelop compelling stories and generate leads that cultivate journalists’ interest in the Veolia brand. Convert meaningful conversations to earned placement.Develop social media and digital content that champions the brand and supports local business strategies and goals.Develop articles and pitch stories beyond local media reach to include industry and trade publications and national media where appropriate.Other Key StakeholdersDevelop and maintain strong working relationships with influential community and civic organizations and elected and municipal officials.Keep external stakeholders informed of company practices, business decisions, and programs which impact customers and the community. Build stakeholder loyalty and satisfaction by responding with urgency to requests and concerns.Maintain a comprehensive understanding of state and local current affairs issues. Be the lead contact between strategic external stakeholders and company operations.Crisis CommunicationsAct with expedience to develop and implement customer communications during emergencies. Command the use of multiple tactics and channels, accounting for customer preferences.Act as communications adviser for local leadership and foster communications best practice.Provide support for other business operations as may be needed.