Senior Communications and Content 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 Senior Communications and Content Specialist is responsible for curating and producing effective external and internal communications materials across multiple mediums and platforms to drive stakeholder and employee engagement with minimal supervision. The right candidate will be an effective communicator with experience in digital communications channels, writing and developing engaging short and longer-form content from complex, technical material for use in blogs, social media, and our employee intranet. This candidate will understand the principles of effective storytelling and have the ability to structure content to maximize audience engagement and humanize complex, technical issues in a relatable manner.

Reporting directly to the Manager of Corporate Communications, this position contributes to the creation of industry leading content that educates and informs internal and external stakeholders on the changing electric grid, climate and environmental policies and regulations, and wholesale electric markets. The position also contributes significantly to internal communications material and projects, including newsletters, employee profiles, podcasts, videos, intranet postings (written and video-based) and corporate announcements.   

The Senior Communications and Content Specialist implements strategic communications material to help achieve business objectives and enhance and protect the company’s reputation with key stakeholders. This position is directly responsible for copywriting, and editing digital communications

We are a fast-paced Corporate Communications team focused on developing industry-leading content that drives stakeholder and employee engagement. The Senior Communications and Content Specialist is integral to communicating the NYISO mission and vision, focusing on issues related to the reliability of the electric system and building a clean energy future.

The ideal candidate will have a strong skill set across these communications disciplines, with extensive experience in business writing and / or reporting on energy related issues

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Initiate, produce, and post internal communications content including emails, newsfeed posts, and employee articles that reflect business priorities and support employee engagement and culture.
• Produce and post social media content on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube designed to drive engagement, education, and awareness among key audiences of the NYISO’s purpose and mission.
• Contribute to blog, video, and podcast production and support internal meetings and events.
• Manage project development and approval process for assigned documents within established timelines, including collaboration with other team members.
• Engage with subject matter experts to interpret and effectively distill company priorities, initiatives, and messaging into manageable, engaging content.
• Determine communication effectiveness using established benchmarking tools
• Work with the business to manage crisis and issues management communications.
• Maintain social media calendar and posts social content to social media channels.

EDUCATION 

Bachelor’s degree, in an appropriate field of study such as English, Communications, or Journalism required.

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of demonstrated writing success preferably in a newsroom, and/or other fast-paced publication environment.
• Management of social media platforms
• Working knowledge of web-based content management platforms used to publish and update content

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Energy industry knowledge or other related business writing strongly desired.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, writing, editing, and project management skills. 
• Proven track record of strong writing, proofreading, and storytelling experience.
• Provide high level of attention to detail and accuracy; able to self-edit and proofread.
• Ability to multi-task and quickly prioritize projects and at times work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable, managing and progressing projects through development process with differing objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
• Working knowledge of multi-media production tools including or equivalent to Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud and virtual meeting tools such as Webex and Teams

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.