Public Affairs Specialist

Description:

This is a "Project" position designed to support project work for a limited duration. While the exact duration of the project is yet to be determined, we currently anticipate a period of 3-5 years based on business needs at the present time following which you will separate from the Company. It is important for you to understand that this period may be shortened based on business needs in the future at which point you will separate from the Company. It is also important for you to understand that this employment is of a limited duration and that you will not be entitled to separation benefits under any PSEG plan at the time you separate from the Company. Director Level approval and waiver will be required for you to bid on other PSEG opportunities within the first 3 years of assignment. From year 4 through the end of your assignment, Director level approval and waiver will not be required. If your assignment ends prior to the anticipated timeframe based on business needs, you will be allowed to bid on other PSEG opportunities without Director level approval from the time you are notified your assignment will be ending through the end date of the assignment.

The Public Affairs Specialist works closely with various project teams in support of capital projects associated with Projects & Construction (P&C) and Gas System Modernization (GSMP) in order to develop and implement communications and outreach strategies that support the strategic objectives of these organizations.

Job Responsibilities

The focus of this position will be to initiate, develop and execute proactive outreach, marketing communications and media/social media relations plans that effectively promote P&C and GSMP initiatives. This includes collaborating with internal project teams and business partners to gather requirements and develop effective communications strategies and supporting a highly structured effort to cascade and reinforce key messages with the right tools and most effective communication channels for each audience segment, specifically the residential and business community. This position will also support State Governmental Affairs in developing legislative and regulatory proposals designed to gain support for company initiatives. In addition, the Public Affairs Specialist will support Regional Public Affairs Managers (RPAs) in monitoring and developing local policy proposals, such as ordinances. Primary audiences include local, county and state elected officials in addition to key business leaders, policy makers and influential members of the community. This position will also align with RPAs representing the company at town hall, zoning board, and planning board meetings, etc. to gain necessary project approvals.
The Public Affairs Specialist will support relationships with the news media, including print, radio, TV and internet, and work closely with corporate communications and public affairs leadership in producing collateral material for internal and external use. Consult, counsel, and develop strategies with leadership to understand, develop and implement effective communications. Recognize issues, propose and recommend new initiatives or events to address issues or situations. Conduct research and utilize knowledge of latest communications technologies and tools, including social media, to execute communications strategies and in the development, writing, and editing of presentations, messages and speeches. Develop talking points and Q&A information to prepare leaders to respond to the press. Build relationships with partners and clients, and leverage those relationships for effective delivery of communications.
This position is also involved with the facilitation and development of an outreach strategy for each company project. This includes development of a route profile designed to identify key information about a project host community with an emphasis on identifying any potential opposition. This position is also responsible for making recommendations to include in the development of mitigation plans to insure the project’s success.

Job Specific Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in governmental affairs/corporate communications or related experience, OR in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, 3 years of experience in governmental affairs/corporate communications or related experience.
• Strong customer focus
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Awareness of social media and its application to business communication
• General familiarity with creative processes (layout, photography, print production)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Must demonstrate and value differences in others' strengths, perspectives, approaches, and personal choices. Must foster an inclusive work environment and respect all aspects of diversity